Our leaders are the most critical assets of our community. A society cannot function efficiently without having leaders or someone to manage the whole system of the area. Tons of tasks like cleaning, municipal duties, trash disposal, recycling, or even water supply, require someone to manage it precisely. A leader needs to be there for his people. Not only to fulfill typical day to day duties but should also be present to strengthen and uplift the community due times of crisis.

In every town, city, or state, such leaders get specific roles and authority to serve ordinary people. Among these roles are the city mayor, and city manager are two functions for candidates not interested in sitting at the parliament and instead of governing their towns or cities. These two positions often appeal very similarly to the public; however, if you study carefully, you will find many differences in the roles assigned to them. If you are interested in any of these positions meant to serve the public, you might be interested in studying more about it. We have listed down some of the significant difference between a city manager and a mayor

Difference between a city manager and a major

Both are highly authoritative roles with some things to consider. From a distance, both may seem similar. But if you carefully observe, they are highly distinct from each other. The ordinary public elects a mayor or sometimes as volunteer whereas, a city manager or chief executive officer gets hired by the mayor or the governing municipal authorities. Both roles need significant experience and relevant education. 

Qualification

The most basic education in running for the mayor election or being selected as a manager requires a bachelor’s in public relations. It is enough to get you past the eligibility requirements for being a candidate for the election. If you are aiming high and thinking of how to become a city manager and not, you need to complete your master’s degree to boost your selection. Sometimes mayors are selected based on mere diplomas and bachelors. Currently, highly qualified candidates are quite preferred; therefore, a master’s degree and prior experience is a must for a successful career in leadership and public dealing.

Responsibilities 

A mayor presides over the city council and is like a public figure. He is a part of the committee and has the right to vote. A mayor is mostly in the spotlight. It makes ceremonial appearances for the public in different events, inaugurations, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and continuously maintaining a formal communication with the people of his town or city. He is responsible for making sure all the legislations passed in the council are implemented. He hires department heads and sometimes even managers to fulfill all responsibilities. He represents his city and signs the necessary proclamations for his city. They are mostly involved in political activities because they run for the office

A city manager, or chief executive officer (CEO) or an administrative officer, has many duties but is the kind of person they perform without being in the public eye. The officer’s primary responsibilities are to monitor daily operations in all the city departments, for instance, trash disposal, fire departments, Maintenance of public places like parks, or jogging tracks. He is responsible for carefully accessing a budget for the town and making sure it is in the right places. As a mayor, he is also a part of the city council. He can attend and moderate the meeting; however, the city manager doesn’t have a right to vote in the sessions. A city manager also has the authority to hire or fire any staff working in the city departments. 

Salary

It varies from state to state, depending on the area of governmental rule. The average annual salary package of a city manager is twice that of a mayor. Even though a mayor has some significant responsibilities related to public representation and other authoritative roles, the job of a manager is tough. The minimum salary ranges from seventy thousand dollars to sometimes exceedingly over two hundred plus dollars annually, whereas that of a mayor is almost half comparatively. 

In conclusion

City managers are mostly full-time workers, and they have stricter supervision jobs. They make sure everything is happening in order in the city or town. In contrast, a mayor is a public representative in the council. Mayors hold more authority in casting voters, hiring managers, and making sure legislation is implemented in the cities. They are public figures and get mostly elected because of their activities, background, and popularity among the general public. City managers refrain from participating in political campaigns. They don’t face the public much but are surely the people behind providing the people with necessities in the city and keeping them satisfied.