Gabe Quinto is the mayor pro tem of El Cerrito. Karen Pinkos is the city manager of El Cerrito. They can be reached at gquinto@elcerrito.gov and kpinkos@elcerrito.gov.   

Those of us who work in local government are called to public service for many reasons. Yet we all share a common vision to make our city the best it can be. What defines success may be different for every agency, but one thing is clear: City councils and city managers who work as a team can achieve great things.

But these relationships don’t happen overnight. They require intentional, long-term commitment from everyone. Here are a few things we’ve learned over the past 12 years about effective governance.

Embrace a diversity of experience and leadership

Everyone has different life experiences, leadership styles, and perspectives. By approaching this diversity with an open mind and active listening, you can create better outcomes for your community. Fostering strong professional relationships between city councils and city managers starts by getting to know each other, including how each person approaches issues and decision-making. The team must consider how city policies impact the public, understanding that decisions must be based on what is best for the entire community, not just a vocal few.

Know your role and your expectations

Council members and city managers must have realistic expectations of each other. The city manager is accountable to the city council, staff report to the city manager, and the council is accountable to the community. Council members are the policymakers and represent the community’s values and priorities. The city manager leads staff, who implement and execute the council’s policy by providing information and best practices.

Learn how to communicate effectively

Clear, accurate, and timely communication is the basis for good policy decisions and fostering trust. City managers and council members should make time to communicate regularly and in a way that works best for them. Make sure people can give honest feedback. You’ll need a good sense of self-awareness, vulnerability, and the ability to listen and understand — even when you disagree. It’s important that information is equitably shared with the team, as no one works in a vacuum.

Trust each other

Trust is fundamental to any relationship. But establishing trust takes work. A council/manager team must place a high value on respect, acting with integrity, and behaving ethically. It’s imperative to recognize people’s humanity and be compassionate about mental health. These are not easy jobs. Taking time to understand each other creates the foundation for a relationship that can blossom over time.

Three practical tips for success

Good governance requires effective leadership by the city council and responsive management by the city manager. Here are some tips to put these elements into action:

• Disagree without being disagreeable. Trust is built through understanding and respect. Having clear norms and practices makes it easier when disagreement happens. For example, even if criticism is warranted, doing so privately with the city manager through an honest discussion allows both sides to maintain a positive working relationship.
• Set goals and follow through. Holding an annual goal-setting session for the city council is a great way to align key priorities, work collaboratively, and engage the community. An annual performance evaluation for the city manager allows the council to provide clear direction and hold the manager accountable. These are also great opportunities to set expectations, reaffirm commitments, and recognize the work of the entire team.
• Embrace learning. Take advantage of learning opportunities from Cal Cities, its member groups, and the Institute for Local Government to increase your understanding of key issues and best practices, while developing leadership and governance skills. Cal-ICMA and the California City Management Foundation also provide training and tools that focus on teamwork, professional management, and partnerships for local governance.

The result of good relationships and governance? Thriving communities! A successful council/manager team creates healthy and effective organizations that deliver positive outcomes and inspire confidence. This results in optimal service delivery and increased public trust. Teamwork really does make the dream work!