- What is the city-manager form of government?
In the city-manager form of government, policymaking is vested in elected representatives and management in an appointed professional manager. The mayor and city commissioners are the leaders and policy makers elected to represent the community and to concentrate on policy issues that are responsive to citizens' needs and wishes. The manager is hired by the commission to serve as the city's chief administrator, and is responsible for the coordination of all city departments and for the execution of policies and programs set by the commission.
- How many elected officials are there in the City of Grand Rapids?
Two non-partisan commissioners are elected from each of the city's three wards while the mayor is elected at large by a majority of all voters. The comptroller is also elected 'at large' as well as a seven-member Library Board.
- Is City Commission a full time job?
No, both positions of city commissioner and mayor are part-time. Many of the commissioners and the mayor are employed elsewhere either full-time or part-time.
- How long are the terms for elected officials?
City commissioners are elected to four-year terms, with elections falling in odd years (example: 2005, 2007, 2009).
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