Ravenna Considers Shift to City Manager Model Like Kent

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Ravenna, Ohio is debating whether to shift to a city manager form of government, and they are closely examining how neighboring Kent already operates under that model. Kent's setup, where the mayor is ceremonial and City Manager Dave Ruller runs daily operations, is being used as a key example as Ravenna weighs the long-term governance and financial impacts of adopting a similar system.

Why it matters

The decision to move to a city manager model could have significant implications for Ravenna's governance structure and financial management. As a neighboring city that has already implemented this approach, Kent's experience provides valuable insights that Ravenna can use to inform their own decision-making process.

The details

Ravenna leaders are considering the shift to a city manager system, which would involve the mayor taking on a more ceremonial role while a city manager, appointed by the city council, would be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city. This model is already in place in Kent, where City Manager Dave Ruller oversees the city's administration while the mayor serves in a more symbolic capacity.

• Ravenna leaders are currently debating the potential shift to a city manager form of government.

What’s next

Ravenna leaders will continue to debate the potential shift to a city manager form of government, closely examining Kent's experience as a model for their own decision-making process.