Oakdale Administrator Case

This case examines the political trade-offs and tough decisions that must be made to restore a municipal government to fiscal stability. In an era of flat revenue growth or decline, many municipalities face stark choices regarding economic development and growth. Oakdale, a suburb of a medium-sized city, is struggling to compete with the more prosperous and attractive surrounding municipalities for redevelopment projects and business investment. Complicating the situation is a scandal involving the previous city administrator who was found guilty of violating state ethics laws and gross fiscal malfeasance.

Main Topics

Decision making, Financial management

Secondary Topics

Political context, Ethics

Teaching Purpose

To put students in the shoes of municipal officials as they struggle to balance the budget and at the same time provide their residents with a higher quality of life.

The Organization

A small suburban municipal government with a weak economic base in the inner suburbs of a large city.

<target id="page_80" target-type="page">80</target>Main Characters

Ernest Hoffnagel, Former Mayor

Angela Donny, Former City Administrator

Allen Hauser, Alderman

Helen Robison, Alderwoman

Paul Asher, new City Administrator

Marie Clarkson, Interim Mayor