City Manager

The City of Frankenmuth is organized as a council-manager form of local government, as opposed to a strong mayor form of government. The council-manager form of government combines the strong political leadership of elected officials (in the form of a council, board, or other governing body) with the strong professional experience of an appointed local government manager or administrator. Under this form, power is concentrated in the elected council, which hires a professional administrator to implement its policies. These highly trained, experienced individuals serve at the pleasure of the elected governing body and have responsibility for preparing the budget, directing day-to-day operations, hiring and firing personnel, and serving as the council's chief policy advisor.

Since it was first incorporated in 1959, the City of Frankenmuth has had four City Manager. The current City Manager, Bridget Smith was appointed as City Manager in the fall of 2016 after more than 20 years in government and private consulting.  She began working for the City of Frankenmuth on October 3, 2016.

Bridget moved to Frankenmuth as a high school student, graduating in 1992. She attended Central Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology. She eventually started her career as an urban planner with Spicer Group, Inc, in Saginaw. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and a Certified Public Manager. She lives in Frankenmuth Township with her husband Todd, and two daughters, Grace and Ella.

If you have questions, comments or ideas the best way to reach her is via email at bsmith@frankenmuthcity.com . Residents and others are always welcome to stop in at City Hall without an appointment and she's happy to meet with you if she is available. She also keeps a blog that is focused on the City, it's management and things that she thinks are important for residents to know more about. You can reach it here.