Council-Manager Form of Government

The City of Champaign operates under the council-manager form of government. The City Council is elected by the public and serves as the governing body of the City.  The City Council in turn appoints a professional City Manager who implements Council direction and oversees the day-to-day operations of the City.  If comparing City government to a corporation, the City Council is the Board of Directors and the City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer.

Role of the City Council

The City Council is Champaign’s legislative and policy-making body.  The City Council establishes the vision and goals for the City. The Council is comprised of the Mayor and eight Council members.  Three Council members are elected At-Large and five are elected by Council District.  The Council adopts the ordinances and resolutions that establish the laws and standards for our City government, and they provide direction on services and projects to address the City’s needs.  The City Council approves the City budget and various policies, approves expenditures, sets local tax rates, and approves City staffing levels.

Role of the City Manager

The City Council appoints a professional City Manager to implement Council’s direction and oversee the day-to-day operations of the City.  The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council and is charged with putting the Council’s vision, goals, and priorities into action.  Visit the City Manager’s Office section of our website for more information about the role of Champaign’s City Manager.

Learn More

For more information about the Council-Manager form of government, please visit the International City/County Management Association website.