What makes the difference between a city that falls so far into an economic hole that it declares bankruptcy and a city that weathers tough times successfully?

Professional local government management, according to the Lynchburg News & Advance.

A News & Advance editorial credits City Manager Kim Payne, Deputy City Manager Bonnie Svrcek, and successive city councils over the past decade with plotting a far different path for Lynchburg, VA, (pop. 79,047) than Detroit took. In particular, the paper cites both appointed and elected officials for providing consistent, responsible leadership; planning for and managing change; and creating a welcoming environment for business.

Meet the Manager

Kim Payne and Bonnie Svrcek

Kim Payne has been Lynchburg's city manager since 2001. He previously served as county administrator and assistant administrator of Spotsylvania County, VA. Payne is past president of the Virginia Local Government Management Association. Bonnie Svrcek has been Lynchburg's deputy city manager since 1999. Previously, she served as assistant town manager of Blacksburg, VA, and budget analyst for Fairfax County, VA. She served as ICMA's president for 2012-2013.