Build a City Project
Directions: You and your group are responsible for creating a new city somewhere within the state
of North Carolina. You must design this city from scratch, following many of the realistic steps that
are taken when cities are incorporated. When finished, you and your group will present your city
and attempt to convince citizens (your classmates) to move to your city. Each group member will
be given the same grade so make sure everyone in your group is participating. This will count
as a test grade!
Step 1 Brainstorm (20min): What kind of city do you want? Be realistic, but be creative!
Things to consider:
1. What would an ideal city look like?
2. What would you like your city to be known for?
3. What is the name of your city?
4. Where is your city located within North Carolina (mountains, beach, piedmont)? Why is this
the best location?
5. What physical features do you want your city to have?
6. What services will your city’s local government provide to it citizens?
7. What laws/ordinances will be important to initiate? (Remember you cannot undo any law set
by the state or federal government)
8. What is the population goal of your city?
Step 2 Government (10min): Your next task is to set up the outline for your city’s government.
To do this, you must understand the duties of a mayor. Consider the pros and cons of each type of
mayoral system described below.
Mayor-Council Charter: The oldest and most popular charter in the US and in NC. City
councils under this type of charter are typically small, with a population generally under 2,500
people. The size of the council varies from as few as 2 members to as many as 50.
There are two variations of the mayor-council form: weak mayor-council and strong mayor-council.
Characteristics of the Weak Mayor Council
Characteristics of the Strong Mayor Council
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Mayor is selected by the city council rather
than elected by the people
Mayor’s powers are usually limited
City councils generally possess both
legislative and executive authority
Executive department heads are elected by
the citizens not appointed by the mayor
There is no single administrative head for the
city
Designed for smaller cities with simple
governments
Poorly suited for large cities where political
and administrative leadership is vital.
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Mayor is elected directly by the people and
given broad powers.
City councils generally possess only
legislative powers
Department heads are appointed by the
mayor
The mayor is the administrative head of the
city.
The system calls for a mayor to be both a
good political leader and an effective
administrator.
Decision Time:
1. Do you wish to have a strong mayor or weak mayor system, why?
2. How many members will compose your city council? What are the possible benefits and
drawbacks from this number of council members?
Step 3 Create your city (45min): on the provided paper draw a map of your city (be neat
and creative, show effort). Be sure to include the following requirements:
1. Name of your city (on the top of your map)
2. Zoning - must provide residential areas, business spaces, water supply ,schools,
hospitals and recreation areas (parks, athletic facilities, etc) you may want to reference
page 730 of your textbook
3. Transportation – depending on the size of the city, what type of transportation is needed
in your city (bus, subway, light-rail, trolley, etc.) show the transportation routes on your
map
4. Map Legend (what different symbols indicate) compass, (north, south, east, west)
Step 4 Write-Up (45min): Your write up should include all the information from steps one,
two and three in paragraph form. Your write-up should be at least one page long if not longer.
Step 5 Presentation (15 min): During the last 15 minutes of class we will present our cities
to our classmates. After you present I will use your write up, as well as your poster to give your
group a grade. This is a project/test grade!!!
Turn this paper in with your write-up and poster. You should indicate on this paper all of
the steps/questions you have completed by checking them off as you go.
City name______________________
Group members’ names______________________________________________________
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