WHAT: We're asking citizens to reorganize our city government.

In Arkansas, cities can organize under either Mayor-Council form or a Manager-Board form of government.

WHY: Our current system is broken.

In our current system, too much is asked of our Mayor and too little is expected of our City Council.

Our Mayor is both the city's political leader and the day-to-day manager of city departments and services. The result is a council that stands in the way of progress and a mayor that's stretched too thin to ensure that our government is effective and efficient.  And we think Blytheville deserves a fresh start. 

HOW: We ask the voters.

As with any citizen-led initiative, it starts with a petition.  Once signatures have been collected, THE PEOPLE will be asked to vote FOR a reorganization.

Under this reorganization, a 7-member Board of Directors will be elected by THE PEOPLE to 4-year terms (similar to that of City Council).  From there, their first task is hiring a City Manager; a professional with the education and experience to manage Blytheville's daily operations.

And while the City Manager builds an effective and efficient city government, the Board's focus turns to the city's vision for the future; setting long-term plans and strategy.