What is being proposed? To replace the council-manager form of government that has been in place for half of a century with a strong mayor form of city government. The mayor would be the full-time head of city government. Two aldermen from each from ten designated neighborhoods would represent the people of Decatur instead of the current six at-large council members. The ten neighborhoods will be determined by the current city council based on population and state law.
Do other cities have a similar form of government? YES, most cities use the proposed Strong Mayor form of city government. Many downstate IL cities have aldermen and/or a strong mayor. Only two of the major downstate cities have the same form of city government as Decatur.
Are 20 aldermen too many?
How is the Strong Mayor form of city government better?
Is it expensive?
Will my vote make a difference?
How do I help?
For answers to these questions, keep reading below.
