In terms of local governance, what does the council-manager model emphasize?

The council-manager model in local governance emphasizes a structured separation of powers between the elected council and the appointed manager. It operates under the premise that the council, which is made up of elected officials, establishes policy and the manager, who is appointed by the council, is responsible for executing those policies and overseeing day-to-day operations of the municipality.

In this model, the council has legislative authority to create laws, set budgets, and make major decisions that guide the policies of the local government. The appointed manager is typically a professional with expertise in public administration, allowing them to effectively implement the council's policies. This distinction between the elected body that legislates and the appointed official who manages is crucial because it fosters a system where the executive decisions are based on expertise rather than political considerations.

The other options present aspects that don't align with the core principles of the council-manager model, as it specifically delineates roles rather than concentrating power or facilitating direct involvement in all decisions.