CITY MANAGER
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Address: 619 Second Street, Radford, Virginia 24141
Phone Number:
(540)731-3603
Fax Number:
(540) 731-3699
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Welcome from the City Manager
Welcome to the City of Radford web site! We are excited
about our evolving pages and hope that they are of help to you in learning more
about our City and what we have to offer. Please be sure to check back with us
from time to time as our site develops.
Radford is nestled in the heart of the New River Valley,
close to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Our economy has long
been balanced my manufacturing and education. Radford is home to Intermet,
current operator of a foundry at a site that has a similar operation for over
100 years. We are also home to Radford University that began operation in 1910.
Residents in Radford enjoy a very high quality of life.
Quality housing is available for those of any taste from restored antebellum to
contemporary. The Radford School system offers an excellent education for area
youth and Radford University is one of several area institutions of higher
education.
Recreational opportunities abound. Those who enjoy
nature will find endless hours of relaxation on the New River or the
nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. The City’s bikeway along the New River allows for a
peaceful stroll or ride while enjoying nature. Nearby Claytor Lake offers a
variety of water sports. The City’s recreation facilities eliminate any excuse
to just sit and watch the world go by; you’ll be called to jump into the game.
Radford provides opportunities to realize your potential.
Come join us and see what your life could be.
Responsibilities of the City Manager
The City Manager is the administrative and executive head
of the municipal government and is chosen by the City Council. The City Manager
is chosen solely based on administrative qualifications and experience in
municipal affairs.
As the administrative head of the City, the Manager
carries out the policies that are adopted by the City Council. He is
responsible for the enforcement of all laws and ordinances and with a few
exceptions, is in charge of all departments and operations. The City Manager
keeps Council informed of the condition and needs of the City, making
recommendations for action as the need arises. The Manager also prepares the
annual budget for Council consideration and upon its enactment, sees that its
provisions are upheld.
Brief History of the Council-Manager Form of Government
The Council-Manager form of government evolved in the
19-teens as a reform movement in response to local governance problems that were
occurring in the nation’s cities at the end of the 19th Century and beginning of
the 20th Century. This form of government provides for a trained professional
administrator to manage the day to day affairs of the city as a means to provide
for the efficient, effective and ethical governance of localities. Today, many
cities across the nation, as well as cities in other countries, have opted for
this form of government. Many cities evolved their form of government during the
post World War II era of the late 1940s and 1950s when cities began to grow and
develop at a rapid pace.
Radford adopted the Council-Manager form of government in 1920 and has proudly,
and continuously, maintained this form of government. The City has been served
by 14 city managers.
Previous City Managers
Paul B Murphy 1920 – 1924
Samuel A. Durham 1924 -
Arthur – 1927
E. L Udell -1935
Henry T. Roberts 1935 – 1944
W.T. “Ham” Wells 1944 -1947
W. A. Woodward 1947- 1957
Wilson D. Coleman 1958 – 1962
Frank Force 1962 – 1967
A. Kyle Roop, Jr. 1967 – 1974
Finn Moffett 1974 – 1976
Arthur L. Lane, Jr. 1976 – 1978
Robert P. Asbury 1979 – 2002
Anthony W. Cox 2002 – 2010
David C. Ridpath 2010 -