"Government's primary goal is different than a business. A business's goal is to make a profit. The public sector's goal is service." explains Dr. Robert Lee, professor and MPA program coordinator at Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Lee discusses council-manager government and why that structure works, with a focus on financial acumen, professional ethics, and the real-world impact of strong professional management in ICMA's video series, "Why It Works."

Drawing on his experience assessing local governments, including a city he found in crisis and revisited years later as one of the best-managed in the state, Lee speaks to what professional management can accomplish when done right.

Dr. Lee joined Florida Gulf Coast University following a career as a city manager. He is a past president of the Florida City and County Management Association, past president of the American Society of Public Administration Suncoast Chapter, and current member of the ICMA Advisory Board on Graduate Education. Dr. Lee also serves as the faculty advisor for FGCU's ICMA Student Chapter.
 

ICMA's Future of Professional Management Fund is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026 and we are sharing stories about how the Fund supports professional management and the council-manager form.

You can find ICMA’s complete library of resources to support communities of all sizes that are seeking to retain or adopt the council manager for local governments Resources include the new video, Council-Manager Form of Government Works Best, with testimonials from elected officials, academics, and nonprofit leaders. 

Your support for the profession makes a difference. Whether you’re a regular or first-time donor, join the 40-40 campaign.

See more stories and look for more Fund-supported video drops as we approach the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference!