Municipal Government: Does Structure Make a Difference in Small Cities and Towns?

Abstract

This study is designed to present a comprehensive view of government in cities and towns with populations between 2,500 and 25,000 in order to determine that the council‐manager form of government has made a consequential difference in government at the local level. Two major forms of government in 559 municipalities are compared and contrasted regarding nine selected variables. Data are evaluated using the independent samples t‐test and regression analysis. Results from this research study demonstrate several differences in local government administration and its provision of municipal services. The data in this analysis show that a statistically significant level of differentiation between the council‐manager and non‐council‐manager forms of government can be seen regarding the education level of the chief administrative officer; the percentages of time this individual devotes to the policy, administrative, and political roles; and the per capita expenditure levels of the municipalities in cities and towns with populations between 2,500 and 25,000. However, the study does not indicate that form of government significantly affects the provision of municipal services and the influence of political activities and special interest groups on municipal decisions of cities and towns in this same population range.

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