Michael Mortell, City Manager of Stuart, Florida, joined The Current Podcast by TreasureCoast.com to provide an unfiltered and clear-eyed look into how local government operates, what’s happening with development in Stuart, and what residents should know about it.
Mortell’s background is deeply rooted in the community. A graduate of Martin County High School, he returned to Stuart after law school to open a private legal practice. He went on to serve on various city boards, as a city commissioner, city attorney, and now as city manager. With over three decades of service in some form, Mortell is familiar with Stuart from every angle: resident, policymaker, legal advisor, and administrator.
Understanding the City Manager’s Role
In this episode, Mortell outlines the key differences between setting policy and implementing it. City commissioners make decisions, often under public pressure. City staff, including Mortell, carry out those decisions. But when public backlash arises, residents sometimes mistakenly direct blame toward staff rather than legal frameworks guiding development…