Under the Charter adopted by the citizens of Ventura in 1934, the City Manager is "the administrative head of the City government . . . responsible to the City Council for the administration of all City affairs" including hiring and firing department heads, preparing the annual budget and ensuring the effective implementation of the City Council's policies and priorities. The City Manager advises Council on strategic direction for the City and responding to changing community needs. Most of all, the City Manager provides overall organizational leadership to ensure the effective daily delivery of services, projects and programs, guided by the City's 2005 General Plan.