What type of city government allows citizens to elect a council and a mayor who then hire a professional administrator?

The type of city government that allows citizens to elect a council and a mayor who then hire a professional administrator is known as the manager form of government. In this structure, the elected council is responsible for making legislative decisions, while the mayor or council appoints a city manager to oversee the day-to-day operations and administration of the city. This professional administrator is often an experienced individual in city management, enabling a more efficient governance model that separates political decision-making from the execution of administrative tasks.

In contrast, the strong mayor system typically provides the mayor with significant executive powers, including the ability to make administrative decisions without needing to rely heavily on a city manager. The commission form of government combines both legislative and executive functions within a single governing body, often leading to less specialization in administrative roles. The nonpartisan structure refers to elections where candidates are not officially affiliated with political parties, but it does not specify the governance model like the manager form does. This distinction is crucial in understanding the varying dynamics within city government leadership structures.