If a group of people want to become a city or town in Arkansas. They have to become legally "incorporated." This means 200 residents sign a petition, get approval from county court, and a thumbs up from the Secretary of State. Next, the group has one month to elect a mayor, and aldermen–which is the formal name for a city council member.
There are three different city government systems available to cities. Most cities, including new ones, use the Mayor-Council set up. Under this system the mayor has broad powers over budget, city staff and enforcing ordinances. He’s kept in check by his elected council.
A town or city can change their set up through a publicly voted ordinance.
In the late 50s, Little Rock made the rare choice to change the mayor-council system to the city manager system. The manager system gives the mayor far less power. Local business elites wanted to dilute the power of Mayor Woodrow Wilson Mann who supported racial integration.
Fort Smith also uses the city manager system, but right now there is a push to switch to the mayor council system.
From Little Rock, I am Politics and Government Reporter Josie Lenora, This has been a Arkansas Civics Minute