Executive mayor system will improve business climate, create jobs and enhance city accountability.
The Sacramento Metro Chamber endorses the June 8, 2010, ballot measure for a Sacramento mayor-council form of government, believing the time is now to update how the city of Sacramento is governed.
A Metro Chamber task force studied the issue extensively from September through December. The Metro Chamber Executive Committee recommended support of the ballot measure, and the Board of Directors strongly concurred.
“The city of Sacramento deserves a governing structure that is both effective and accountable,” said Linda Cutler, chair of the Metro Chamber Board. “Many large cities across the country have executive mayor forms of government. Six of the 10 cities we visited and admired on our annual Study Missions—Atlanta, Denver, Indianapolis, San Diego and Seattle—have executive mayors. What sets these cities apart is effective leadership. Under their mayors or the mayor-council form of government, progress happens, problems are solved and businesses can flourish.”
As Sacramento’s population approaches the half-million mark, it is joining the ranks of the nation’s largest cities. Thirty-one of the biggest 50 U.S. cities have mayor-council forms of government. Of the eight in California on that list, five have “mayor-council” systems. Those cities include Fresno, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego and San Francisco.
“As Sacramento grows, government must evolve too. Since 1895, the Metro Chamber as the leading voice of business has advocated for change—when needed,” said Matthew Mahood, president & CEO. “In 1921, the chamber took action to change the city charter because the existing form of government was not in the city’s best interest. Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation."
“Eighty-eight years ago, the city commissioners were blocking development of infrastructure and schools, and the chamber felt that a city manager could be held accountable to get things done. But the needs of our community have changed. Once again, we have a city council structure that is failing to create a positive business climate, costing our community jobs and the competitive edge to become a national and global leader.
“In 2002, the Metro Chamber advocated for effective and accountable government by supporting the ballot measure that created a full-time mayor. Now, with the creation of an executive mayor, the Metro Chamber supports holding the elected mayor accountable for the city’s progress,” Mahood concluded
Board Chair Linda Cutler added, “The decision to support an updated city charter looks beyond current city council politics to the future of the city, ensuring it is competitive for jobs in a new global economy.
“The city of Sacramento is a regional center for commerce and culture and needs to take the steps today to ensure its leadership position in California and our nation. We believe that an executive mayor system can make that happen.”
The Metro Chamber Board is made up of more than 65 regional business leaders from small, medium and large business organizations. In continuing efforts to foster a strong regional economy, recent Metro Chamber endorsements have included the successful passage of the Measure A transportation tax renewal, assessment for flood protection and bonds for education and infrastructure, among others.
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The Sacramento Metro Chamber is the largest, oldest and most prominent voice of business in the greater Sacramento area. Representing nearly 2,200 member businesses and business organizations in the six-county Sacramento region, the Metro Chamber serves as the region’s leading proponent of regional cooperation and primary advocate on issues affecting business, economic development and quality of life.