Which local government form includes elected council members with both policy-making and administrative powers?

The Mayor-Council Administrator form of local government is characterized by a structure where elected council members possess both policy-making and administrative powers. In this system, the mayor typically has significant influence over the administration while the council is responsible for passing laws and setting policies that govern the municipality.

This form of government is designed to create a collaborative relationship between the elected officials and the administrative staff they oversee. The council sets the strategy and policies, while the mayor and administrative team implement these policies and manage day-to-day operations. This dual power structure fosters a balance where elected officials have the authority to shape the direction of the municipality, while also being actively involved in the administration of those policies.

In contrast, the other forms mentioned have different structures and distributions of powers. The Commission Form tends to have elected officials serving both legislative and executive functions but typically lacks the clear separation of powers found in the Mayor-Council Administrator structure. The Municipal Manager Form delegates administrative powers to a manager hired by the council, which can dilute the direct involvement of council members in day-to-day administration. The Small Municipalities Form can vary widely but does not specifically encapsulate a structure with elected council members holding both sets of powers as defined in the question.