| Summary: | The article analyzes the implementation specifics of the "city manager" model as a form of municipal government organization that ensures the involvement of highly competent professionals to achieve the goals of the socio-economic development of Russian territories. The main research method is a survey of heads of municipalities (n=582). The results of the survey illustrate the existence of serious limitations to the implementation of the "city manager" model in modern Russian realities. In particular, the presence of conflict risks is noted as well as concerns about the strengthening of the influence of regional authorities, the growth of corruption and the decrease in the legitimacy of local self-government. The influence of regional authorities on the outcome of competitive procedures for selecting a candidate for the position of city manager is also classified as one of the most significant limitations of the model. According to the respondents, the mayor who received the support of the population during the elections should lead the city. The increased influence of regional authorities on the results of the competitive appointment of a city manager devalues the advantages of the model, which imply the priority of the professional competencies of applicants over the ideas of favoritism and personal loyalty. The article proposes the principles of the implementation of the "city manager" model, allowing it to reduce its key limitations. These principles include the following: hierarchy, long-term guarantees, monitoring and control, social prestige, impersonality, expertise, and co-optation. The authors also offer recommendations on regulating the procedures for monitoring the activities of a city manager, fixing its types such as operational, strategic, and external. The latter type of control includes assessment by the local population and representatives of the scientific community, which ensures an increase in the level of trust and legitimacy of the city manager model.
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