Law and the city manager: Beginning to understand the sources of influence on the management of local government

Abstract

The present research looks explicitly at the role of law in providing both perceived and actual constraints in the work environment of the local government administrator. Five city managers were interviewed by the authors to begin the process of understanding where the law has the most impact on the public administrator's job. Four sources of influence were identified - intergovernmental relations, the legislature, regulatory agencies, and the courts. These sources of influence are examined in relation to the various responsibilities of local government officials. Instances of both actual and perceived constraints are noted, and implications of the existence of those constraints are discussed.