Small cities differ from their larger counterparts, facing unique issues and challenges.

This resource manual is meant to make life a little easier around city hall. Use it as an ongoing reference and as a tool to help orient newly elected or appointed officials and staff in our state’s smaller cities and towns. The manual does not provide exhaustive information on specific topics or legal advice. Instead, it provides a brief overview of key topics, outlining the most important considerations.

While this manual is designed primarily for officials serving cities with populations under 5,000, it contains information relevant to cities of all sizes. Feel free to contact AWC for assistance in identifying additional resources for your city or town.

Small City Resource Manual – Full document

Chapter 1: Overview of a city

Chapter 2: Leadership and management

Chapter 3: Successful city councils

Chapter 4: Planning your city’s future

Chapter 5: Ethics, open government, and fairness: Staying on the right side of the law

Chapter 6: Municipal budgeting and fiscal management

Chapter 7: Human resources and labor relations

Chapter 8: Public safety and emergency management

Chapter 9: Public works and infrastructure

Chapter 10: Comprehensive planning, growth management and environmental protection

Resources