In a special election on May 9th, we'll have the chance to decide whether Madison rises to meet the challenges of a growing city of over 57,000 residents, or stays stuck in a model of government chosen in 1988 when our city had fewer than 15,000 residents.
We encourage all to learn more about the city manager position and how it will meet our needs more efficiently, while balancing the demands of a fast-growing city and region.
Commit to vote on May 9th and join those who are rooting for Madison's success. Grab a yard sign or campaign materials to share with a friend.
In a special election on May 9th, we'll have a chance to decide whether Madison rises to meet the challenges of a growing city of over 57,000 residents, or stays stuck in a model of government chosen in 1988 when our city had fewer than 15,000 residents.
We encourage all to learn more about the city manager position and how it will meet our needs more efficiently, while balancing the demands of a fast-growing city and region.
Commit to vote on May 9th and join those who are rooting for Madison's success. Grab a yard sign or campaign materials to share with a friend.
Madison is a wonderful, dynamic place to call home. As a city, we’re entering a pivotal moment in our history.
Currently, we have a Council-Mayor form of government. We elect a mayor and a council to set the vision we’d like to see for the city, and task them with implementing that vision. This includes things like infrastructure, public safety, budgeting, economic development, etc.
With the range of opportunities and challenges before us, we believe it's time to place a credentialed city management professional in charge of daily operations of the city, and elect our mayor and councilmembers as equal voices to set policy.
This informational site provides facts about the proposition, offers history and context, and has an extensive list of FAQs to help inform your decision as best as possible. You can also find out more information on the City of Madison website.
Feel free to reach out if you'd like to know more
What would change for Madison in a Council-Manager government structure?
What would stay the same?
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?
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?
< Endorsement >
-Mayor Paul Finley
< Endorsement >
-James Ross
< Endorsement >
-David Raby
Madison Forward has been on the front lines of engaging Madison residents who support transparency, efficiency, and professional management in our city government.
AL.com
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