East Lansing parted ways with former City Manager Robert Belleman in June, less than three years into his tenure, and soon the city will embark on a months-long search for a new top employee.
The next city manager will arrive at a critical juncture for East Lansing. They will likely guide the city through the first renewal vote of its income tax, address a number of ongoing policing controversies and lead a college town during a precarious time for higher education.
The city manager takes a leading role in crafting the city’s budget and overseeing staff. But the right hire will take on more than just the formal responsibilities of the job, a city manager should exemplify a city’s values, explained Erika Rosebrook, director of the Michigan State University Extension for Local Government Finance and Policy…