Lesson 2.2 – Determine The Gap

Determine The Gap:

With a basic understanding of the issues related to the roles and responsibilities of the mayor, the next step is to define the gap between where the community policies are today, and where they need to be. As the issue champion, you need to be sure that you can answer the following questions before you move on to the next step:

• What are the current roles and responsibilities for the office of the mayor?
• Are council members and critical staff members comfortable with potentially adding / removing power(s) from the mayor?

Once you know what members of the general public and council members are likely to ask about this proposed policy, you are ready to put it in front of them for consideration.

Action Items:

1. Assemble an information packet that consists of the files that are located in the “Materials” tab of this CiviclinQ course. Customize the highlighted fields with local names, titles, dates, and section numbering. The packet should include:
   • CiviclinQ’s best practice guide for duties of the mayor. 
   • Model code for the office of the mayor. 
   • Draft ordinance for the office of the mayor.
2. Schedule a work session with the legislative body (city council / county commission).  The agenda items should include:
   • Consideration of an ordinance in support of changing the roles and duties of the mayor.
3. Combine and distribute the materials to relevant staff and council members.

Move to Lesson 3.1.