Local Government 101
The national government gets a lot of attention in the news. But did you know that the every day services you expect and depend on for getting to work, staying safe, and enjoying your community are provided by your neighbors? These public servants are public safety officers (police and fire), librarians, sanitation workers, administrative staff, or city managers (just to name a few).
Counties are Local Government, Too!
Oregon's 36 counties provide essential health and human services to our communities. A county is a subdivision of a state and must provide certain services to residents, regardless of what city you live in. Counties are responsible for social services to people while the cities are responsible for shaping the physical landscape.
While each county is different, most counties operate a health department, county jail and courthouse, performs appraisals of property, collects and distributes property taxes, provides animal services, manage elections, and issue marriage licenses.
What is a City Manager?
In a council-manager form of government, a city manager is a professional manager who is responsible for all aspects of the livability of the city, like your community’s parks and recreation; libraries; youth services; recycling; sanitation, utilities, police, fire, and public safety; planning and economic development. Your City Manager works with your Mayor and Council members to deliver services that are responsive to community members.
Scott Derickson, Woodburn City Administrator, explains the council-manager form of government. Ask your city manager for more information on how your city works.
Is the City Manager like the CEO of my city?
Almost! Your city manager is like the superintendent of a school district. Superintendents make sure all the schools are running smoothly and providing quality services to teachers, parents, and students. Your City Manager makes sure that city departments are running smoothly and providing all the services that make your city a great place to live.
What is the role of the Mayor and Council Members?
Your Mayor and City Council are elected by the community to serve the community. Your City Council is the decision-making body of your local government. They are similar to your elected state senators and representatives. Council members direct policy decisions, approve the city's budget, and make sure all decisions are aligned with community goals, priorities, and visions for growth.
A mayor can have different responsibilities, but is most often the the spokesperson for the community and often directs policy decisions. Your City Manager reports directly to the Mayor and City Council and may make recommendations for certain policies, ordinances, or projects but will ultimately carry out the direction of your council.
What is a City Charter?
A city charter is like the constitution of your city. It establishes the form of government ,how many council members can be elected, the powers of the mayor, and outlines the basic rules and duties of your city government. Your city's charter is available online for any resident to read. Your local government staff or your local librarian can help you find it online.
What are resolutions and ordinances?
An ordinance is a local law adopted by your city government. Ordinances generally cover matters not addressed by state or federal law, like leash laws, parking regulations, or zoning. Local ordinances are meant to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of your community. Ordinances make up the Municipal Code of a city, which is the collection of laws passed by your local government.
A resolution is a statement of policy or opinion by your city council, usually for special or temporary purposes. Resolutions are adopted during one city council meeting and can be used to adopt contracts, hire an employee, or adopt a city budget.
What kinds of jobs are in local government?
You interact with local government employees more than you think! Local government employment opportunities include police officers, fire fighters, librarians, community center staff, snow plow operators, construction workers, engineers, parks maintenance, and administrative jobs.
The International City/County Management Association's Local Government Coloring Book offers just a glimpse of what your local public servants do.
Interested in working for a local government?
Check out these job boards for opportunities in Oregon:
SOURCES:
International City/County Management Association, What Professional City, town, and county managers do. icma.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://icma.org/what-professional-city-town-and-county-managers-do
Gordon Whitaker and Ricardo Morse, Local Government in North Carolina, 5th Ed. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government, 2021). Retrieved from https://localgovernment.pressbooks.com/
Philip Cooper, Local Government Administration: Governance in Communities (Melvin & Leigh, Publishers, 2020).