Issues

General

How state statutes impact the operation of local government.
Government models and practices of similar cities in the population range of 250,000-500,000.
Effects of governance models on efforts to increase racial equity and social justice.
Best practices for ensuring municipal decision makers are representative of, connected to and accountable to all members of the community.
Other systems/methods for creating multiple avenues for resident participation in government without privileging decision-making based on the time and ability to attend meetings.

The powers and duties of the Common Council.
Powers of Council Members to chair meetings.
The attributes of councils with full-time members, and volunteer councils.
Number of Council members and the impact one effective representation of residents in general and people of color and those living with lower incomes in particular.
District vs. at large elections for Council members.
Remuneration of Council members include a process for a change in pay.
The size and cost of Council staff.

The powers and duties of the mayor including the hiring and firing of department and division heads, veto, line item veto and emergency management powers.
The size and cost of Mayoral staff.
Powers of the Mayor to chair meetings of the Common Council and Finance Committee.
Powers of the Mayor to appoint members of the Common Council to Council Committees.
Powers of the Mayor to appoint members to City Committees.

The committee system, and the use of resident, Common Council and staff members.
The scope and nature of the powers of committees, commissions and boards, including how they report to the Common Council and how their recommendations are received.
The frequency and time of day of both Council and committee meetings.