Working Within the City

Oberlin is governed under the Council-Manager form of government. Under this system of local government, the elected officials are the community leaders and policy makers who establish a vision for Oberlin and who hire a City Manager to carry out policy and ensure that all residents are being equitably served. The City Manager coordinates the work of department heads and other employees, who help ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of services. By building public/private partnerships, intergovernmental agreements, and other collaborative relationships, the City Manager works to use all of the community’s resources to solve current problems and provide municipal services to residents.