In a new video, Corning, NY, City Manager Mark Ryckman describes how council-manager government has helped that community improve its operations and finances since the city council advocated for its adoption in a 1995 public vote.

The Corning City Council had been concerned about the rise in property taxes and a decline in the quality of services. “The city council felt it was important to bring in a city manager with the experience of running daily operations,” he explains. 

City Manager Mark Ryckman notes that the city has improved its fund balance as well as its bond rating, which has increased from A-3 to A-1.  He adds that because the city manager handles day-to-day operations, the city council can focus on larger policy issues like where they want the city to be in the next five to fifteen years.  

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.  Ryckman’s commitment to professional local government in Corning has produced tangible improvements for the community.

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!