What are the two primary forms of government utilized by cities in Texas?

In Texas, the two primary forms of government utilized by cities are the mayor-council and the council-manager systems. The mayor-council form of government typically involves a directly elected mayor who possesses significant executive powers, along with a city council that is composed of elected members responsible for legislative functions. This structure allows for a clear distinction between the roles of the mayor and the council, and it can vary in terms of the mayor's powers, which can be either strong or weak depending on the specific city.

The council-manager form of government, on the other hand, features a city council that appoints a city manager to oversee the city's operations and implement policies set by the council. This system emphasizes professional management and is designed to promote efficiency, as the city manager is typically trained in public administration and can bring expertise to the city's governance.

Both forms reflect common governance structures, allowing for varying degrees of citizen participation, authority distribution, and management styles suited to different community needs. This distinction between the two systems helps emphasize how local governance operates in Texas cities.