314 History of Council-Manager Government in the United States
History | Registration opens 12/2/25 9:00 AM EST
The Progressive movement in the United States around 1900 yielded many improvements in life across many spectrums. From the “muckrakers” that addressed the meatpacking industry to the establishment of national parks by President Theodore Roosevelt, many changes occurred. One of those changes was that of local government. After years of corruption and conflict, Stanton, Virginia started a new form of government involving a trained “city manager” to address all community issues by being the sole report to the Mayor and City Council. Today, over 55% of the cities in the United States have adopted this form of government. How has this occurred? This presentation will identify the background of this form and how it has developed the American city over the past century.
Mark Watson
Dr. Mark Watson has previously served as City Manager of Oak Ridge for 15 years. He is a recognized leader in the field of public management and has served 8 cities in four states as their Chief Executive. Dr. Watson is a second-generation city manager and has been active in state, national, and international management organizations. He has been recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards by the University of Kansas and has recently been granted a lifetime membership with the International City/County Management Association where he has served as Vice President and Chair of its International Committee. Dr. Watson has a doctorate in political science from the University of Tennessee and has also trained 28 interns through his 47 years of service who now serve in the capacity of city managers and senior staff officials. He has served in Texas, Montana, and Arizona cities including 9 years on the U.S./Mexican border. His services included urban, rural, medical, federal, and agricultural communities. Dr. Watson lives in Oak Ridge with his wife.