What would change for Madison in a Council-Manager government structure?

• The Mayor, elected at large, becomes the President of the City Council and a voting member
• 7 council districts will be redrawn to 6 council districts 
• A City Manager will be appointed by the Mayor and Council
• That City Manager will run day-to-day operations of the city instead of the Mayor 
• Provides continuity of city management even as elected officials change

What would stay the same?

• The Mayor is still elected at-large to represent the City at government & community events 
• City Council members continue to be elected by geographic district
• City runs more like a business with the City Manager reporting to an elected Mayor and Council. The City Manager can be removed by Mayor and Council if not executing duties under terms of an employment contract. 

Can Madison afford a city manager?

YES! Many local governments have reduced their overall costs after hiring a professional City Manager. Savings can come from decreased operating costs, increased efficiency and productivity, improved revenue collection, and effective use of technology. The economic health of the community may also benefit from the implementation of improved business development and retention strategies. (Source)

Who benefits from a Council-Manager form of government?

• Madison Residents: Because they gain continuity and accountability in city government
• The Madison City School System: Because it can engage in more long-term strategic planning with the City, and reap the benefits of a stronger Madison economy
• Madison City Hall: Because a trained, certified professional runs the day-to-day operations of the City, it will free up the Mayor to advocate more for Madison in Montgomery and beyond
• City Employees: Because employees are hired based on their education and experience—not on political patronage.  

What other places in Alabama have this form of government?

14 cities in Alabama have a City Manager: Anniston, Auburn, Brundidge, Clay, Dothan, Fairfield, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Pell City, Phenix City, Sylvania, Talladega, Tuskegee, & Vestavia Hills.

60 counties in Alabama have a County Administrator and Etowah, Jefferson & Shelby have a County Manager.

Will it be the sole responsibility of the city council to choose who the city manager would be?

The responsibility will be placed upon the city council, to include the Mayor who will become President of the council. Citizens will be encouraged to engage with their elected officials about what qualities they would like to see in their professional and credentialed City Manager. Council members have said that the process of hiring a city manager would be similar to that of hiring a police chief, fire chief, city clerk and city attorney. Public interviews and feedback will be part of the process.  

What exactly is the 'vision' for Madison?

The Mayor and City Council set the vision for the city. The City Manager would be responsible for executing that vision. Generally the vision would include Growth, Infrastructure, Budget, Economic Development, Public Safety, Etc. Currently the city is working on a new comprehensive plan: Madison on Track 2045.  

What is the ballot language that we will be voting on?

"Shall the council-manager form of government as provided by the Council-Manager Act of 1982 be adopted for the City of Madison consisting of seven members as follows: One member shall be the mayor elected at large, who shall be a voting member of the Council, and six members shall be council members elected from single-member districts?" (More Information)

When will the special election be held?

When will the special election be held?
The special election will be held on May 9th using regular Madison city polling places, from 7 am to 7 pm.

If you're a registered voter, you can look up your assigned polling place here.  

Where can I find the previous Governance Transition Reports from the 2015 and 2021 studies?

2015 Study & 2021 Study