The Role of Canadian City Managers: In Their Own Words

"This book is an enthralling read for seasoned and aspiring CAOs, elected officials, and ‘local government groupies.’ The stories provided are more than enlightening and clearly demonstrate the talent, dedication, and wisdom it takes to be an executive leader in the complex world of municipal government. Thank God for these people!"

Maureen McCauley, Executive Director, OMAA

"City managers are key to the success of a city and yet most people are not aware of what they actually do. This book fills that knowledge gap. The chapters, written mainly by current and former city managers from across the country, are candid, personal, and inspiring. It is a fascinating read for those who want to know about the role that city managers play in making local government work."

Enid Slack, Director, Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance, School of Cities, University of Toronto

"A rare glimpse into the lives of Canadian city managers. Works as well as a reference book for those currently holding or aspiring to the position as it does a cover-to-cover read for those interested in learning more about this understudied and often underappreciated group of public-sector professionals."

Joseph Lyons, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of the Local Government Program, Western University

"Close to 1,000 years of experience, along with insights from such surprising sources as Robbie Burns and Yogi Berra, provide the foundation for this informative and highly readable book. It takes us well beyond traditional roles and relationships to reveal the multifaceted dimensions of the work of the effective city manager/CAO."

C. Richard Tindal, Retired Professor of Government, St. Lawrence College and co-author of Local Government in Canada