Chapter 21 – Career Options in Local Government
21.3 Levin Graduates Lead: Tanisha Briley (City Manager)
Tanisha Briley’s career in city management is a testament to her commitment to public service. A CSU alum, Briley has distinguished herself nationally in the field of local government management. Her journey began with a solid educational foundation, earning her BA in economics from Ohio State and her MPA from the Levin School, which equipped her with the knowledge and skills essential for a successful career in public administration. At CSU, Professor Sy Murray, who himself was a city manager in places like Cincinnati and San Diego, helped her identify different career opportunities and pathways.
After completing her MPA, Briley worked as the assistant city administrator for Davenport, Iowa where she was responsible for managing complex projects and initiatives that directly impacted the quality of life for residents. These experiences not only provided her with an understanding of the operational aspects of city management but also highlighted her ability to solve multifaceted challenges.
Briley’s significant career milestone came when she was appointed as the City Manager of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing all city operations, including managing the budget, implementing policies set by the city council, and ensuring the delivery of essential services to residents. Her tenure in Cleveland Heights was marked by a series of achievements, including enhancing community engagement, promoting economic development, and improving municipal services. Briley’s leadership style, characterized by transparency, collaboration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, earned her the respect of both her colleagues and the community.
In November 2019, Cleveland Heights residents voted to change the city’s government structure from a council/manager model to a mayor/council model, marking a significant shift in its governance. The new structure took effect in January 2022, with the city’s first elected mayor assuming office to lead the administration and collaborate with the council on policy-making and strategic priorities.
In the council/manager model, a city manager serves as the chief executive, appointed by the council to oversee all city operations. In contrast, under the mayor/council system, a chief administrative officer assists the elected mayor by managing day-to-day operations and implementing the mayor’s policies. For Briley, this change meant she would need to either transition into a chief administrative officer role or seek another city manager position elsewhere.
In 2020, Briley was appointed as the city manager of Gaithersburg, Maryland. Moving to a larger city presented new challenges and opportunities, but Briley’s extensive experience and proven track record made her well-suited for this role. In Gaithersburg, she continued to demonstrate her commitment to public service by focusing on sustainable development, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community, and maintaining high standards of municipal governance. Her ability to navigate the complexities of city management in a larger urban setting further solidified her reputation as a capable and visionary leader.
Regional Governance Trends: Mayor/Council vs. Council/Manager Models
Northeast Ohio municipalities predominantly use the mayor/council model of government, where an elected mayor serves as the chief executive and works alongside an elected city council responsible for legislative functions. In contrast, there are more city manager opportunities in Southern Ohio and in southern and western states, where the council/manager model is more prevalent. This model relies on a professionally appointed city manager to oversee day-to-day operations, offering a different approach to governance that emphasizes administrative expertise and minimizes the political aspects of executive leadership.
Throughout her career, Briley has also contributed to the academic and professional development of future public administrators. As an adjunct professor at Levin College, she shared her practical insights and experiences with students, inspiring them to pursue careers in public service. Her involvement in academia underscores her dedication to mentoring the next generation of city managers and public administrators.
Listen to her on the GovLove podcast as she discusses her experiences and insights as a city manager:
GovLove URL: https://elgl.org/podcast-the-first-100-days-as-a-new-city-manager-with-tanisha-briley-gaithersburg-md/
Duration: 49:48
In this episode, she shares her journey, challenges, and achievements in her role as the city manager for Gaithersburg, MD. The conversation provides a firsthand account of what it takes to succeed in local government, offering valuable lessons and advice for aspiring public service professionals. Through her story, you will gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and strategic thinking involved in managing a city.
City Manager
A city manager is the chief executive in a council/manager form of government, appointed by the city council to oversee the administration of the municipality. This professional role emphasizes expertise in public administration and ensures that city operations align with the policies set by the council. The city manager’s responsibilities typically include:
- Supervising all city departments and ensuring efficient delivery of public services.
- Developing and managing the city’s operating and capital budgets.
- Implementing policies and ordinances enacted by the city council.
- Hiring, managing, and evaluating department heads and other city personnel.
- Advising the city council on policy options, operational strategies, and long-term planning.
- Representing the city in intergovernmental and community relations.
The city manager acts as the primary administrative leader, and they maintain a nonpartisan approach to governance by focusing on professional management practices. City managers often serve as the key point of accountability for the council and residents. This helps to make sure that government operations remain efficient, effective, and transparent. The role may vary based on the city’s size, priorities, and unique challenges.
Reference
National Academy of Public Administration
