1. City and Township Government
Ch. 14 – Sec. 3 Academic Civics

2. City of Altoona Altoona’s government is even smaller than a county
In fact, not all of you may be governed by the city of Altoona
Altoona vs. Logan Township
Despite having only 45,000 people, Altoona is indeed a city (class-3 city; 10th largest in PA)
Cities are governed by city charters – like Constitutions

3. Home Rule Sometimes, cities don’t get charters from the government.
This is called Home Rule
Cities must follow state laws but have the ability to design their own charters
Advantages:
Autonomy and efficiency
Disadvantages:
Lack of aid and funding from states

4. Who’s in charge of Altoona?
Power is divided between the mayor (executive) and the city council (legislative) to get ordinances passed.

5. Strong vs. Weak Mayor Strong Mayor Weak Mayor
Most of the law-making and enforcing duties are vested in the mayor
The mayor is a lot like the president or governor in the other levels of government
Mayor submits a budget for the fiscal year
Department officials chosen by mayor
Weak Mayor
Most decisions are made by the city council
Ordinances are passed by city council
City council chooses department officials, including city manager
Mayor serves as a tie-breaking vote
This is what we have in Altoona

6. Council Manager System
In Altoona, City Council chooses a city manager, who has most of the city’s executive powers.
Running day to day operations of the city
In charge of the city’s departments
Makes the agenda for city council meetings
Makes the city’s budget
Altoona’s City Manager: Joseph F. Weakland

7. Parts of cities
Cities (like Altoona) are broken down into smaller wards, which are represented by city council officials, elected by us
Think of it like states being represented by senators or representatives
Can you name any of Altoona’s wards?

8. Problems facing Altoona:
Crime (drugs, homicide, theft, etc.)
Budget and decline in city revenue ($$$)
Lower population and declining property tax base
Reduction in state and federal funding