In which system does the mayor hold the most operational power?

In a strong-mayor system, the mayor possesses significant authority and operational power over city operations and governance. This structure empowers the mayor to make key decisions regarding the city's budget, appoint department heads, and oversee various municipal functions without the need for approval from the city council. This contrasts with other governance systems where authority may be more dispersed.

In a strong-mayor system, the mayor often has the ability to veto council decisions or exercise considerable control over legislative matters, making the office a central figure in local governance. This concentration of power allows the mayor to implement policies and initiatives more effectively and responsively.

Other systems, like the weak-mayor system and the council-city manager system, typically distribute power more evenly among the council and other municipal leaders, limiting the mayor's influence. The city manager system relies on a manager appointed by the council to handle day-to-day operations, further diluting the mayor's direct control. Thus, the strong-mayor system distinctly stands out as the governance structure where the mayor holds the most operational power.