Local Gov Life

In 2009, a citizens' group known as VoteCM'09 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, bid to adopt the council-manager form of government. The group was led by Dr. Robert Fortner, a retired kidney specialist turned activist. Fortner, alongside several other Bainbridge Island residents, was instrumental in bringing the council-manager form of government to the city. Residents successfully adopted council management with 71 percent of voters approving the change. Nine years later, ICMA sat down with Fortner for the latest episode of ICMA's Local Gov Life: Making a Difference, where they discuss the transition from the previous structure. They talk about how the relationship works between the city manager, Doug Schulze, and elected officials, as well as how the city is now light years ahead of what it used to be prior to being a council-manager form of government. About ICMA ICMA’s vision is to be the leading association of local government professionals dedicated to creating and supporting thriving communities throug