CH’s “Council-Manager” form of government
WHAT IS THE COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT?
The council-manager form is the most popular structure of government in the United States among municipalities with populations of 2,500 or more. It is one of several ways in which U.S. municipalities and counties can organize.
Under this form, residents elect a governing body (city council)—including a chief elected official, such as a mayor—that is responsible for legislative functions such as establishing policy, passing local ordinances, voting appropriations, and developing an overall vision, similar to a corporate board of directors. The governing body then appoints a manager to implement those policies, oversee the local government's day-to-day operations, and advise it. The manager position is similar to that of corporate chief executive officer (CEO), providing professional management to the board of directors. The position of mayor present in this type of legislative body is a largely ceremonial title, and may be selected by the council from among its members or elected as an at-large council member with no executive functions.
Cottonwood Heights has a council/manager form of government, with four council members and a mayor who acts as chairman of the council. The mayor also serves as city representative for the media, signing of legal documents and attending city events.
Cottonwood Heights council and mayor select and hire a city manager as the city's chief administrative officer, responsible for enacting the council’s policies and hiring additional personnel. They must also approve appointees for city attorney, city treasurer, city recorder, and city finance officer, required by state statute. Additionally, in Cottonwood Heights, the city manager appoints with council approval persons to planning commission, architectural review commission (ARC), parks/trails/open space committee (PTOS), arts council and historical committee.
Cottonwood Heights city council acts as the Community Development and Renewal Agency (CDRA) undertaking and promoting city urban renewal, economic development and community development. Currently, the CDRA is managing tax increment funding ($13.2M bond) for the purchase of the 10 acre Hillside Plaza for the purpose of redevelopment.
In addition to their local legislative duties as elected officials, city council members serve on various boards and commissions throughout the state, giving Cottonwood Heights residents a voice and influence at the county, regional, and state levels.
In 2022, Ellen was voted by the Council of Mayors (a SLCO organization) to serve as an alternate on the UTA Local Advisory Council. She is pictured here during a tour of UTA’s new depot with Utah House Transportation Board Chair Kay Christofferson of Lehi.