What is the structure of the council-manager form of local government?

In a council-manager form of local government, the structure is characterized by an elected council that appoints a municipal manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the municipality. This arrangement allows for a clear distinction between policy-making and administrative functions. The elected council is responsible for setting policy and making legislative decisions, while the municipal manager, who is usually a professional administrator, implements these policies and manages the day-to-day affairs of the government.

This separation of powers can lead to more efficient and effective local governance, as the council can focus on broader policy issues without getting bogged down in the daily management details. The municipal manager brings expertise in public administration to the role, which can greatly benefit the functioning of the local government.

In contrast, other options describe different forms of governance or incorrect representations of the council-manager structure. For example, direct management by the council or a solely elected mayor managing the local unit does not reflect the division of responsibilities inherent in the council-manager system. Additionally, the requirement that all council members must be elected every two years is not a defining feature of the council-manager form, as different municipalities may have varying election cycles. Thus, the appointment of a municipal manager by the elected council is what solidifies the council-manager form of