In the newest video in ICMA's "Why It Works" series, Wake County, North Carolina Commissioner Shinica Thomas explains that the council-manager form of government works well because it creates accountability on both sides: elected officials are accountable to residents for setting policy, and an appointed manager is accountable to the council for implementation. 

Commissioner Thomas explains that in the council-manager form of government, the manager is actually more accountable, since he or she is subject to an annual review process and can be let go at any time. The manager augments the role of elected officials by bringing professional experience that elected officials might not have.

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. 

Check out ICMA’s complete library of resources to support communities of all sizes seeking to retain or adopt the council manager form of local government. 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!