Professional Governance: Pros & Cons – Benjamin DeClue and Kris Simpson, City Administrators

Two local City Administrators Ben DeClue (Glendale) and Kris Simpson (Crestwood) discuss the pros and cons of professional management in government. Hear their argument about how this model not only can help neutralize political corruption and patronage but also has become the most dominant system of local government in the United States. In St. Louis County alone, almost half of the 88 municipalities are governed by a professional administrator or manager. And of our nation’s 247 largest cities – including Austin, Kansas City, Phoenix, Dallas, and San Antonio – 144 are managed by professionals, partnering with their respective elected leaders on long-term strategy, committing to political neutrality, and subscribing to a strong code of ethics through the International City/County Management Association. To view this Zoom recording click here.