A "strong mayor" is a type of local government leadership where the mayor has significant powers and authority over city operations. This includes the ability to make executive decisions, control the budget, and oversee city departments without needing approval from the city council. This model allows for more decisive action and streamlined governance. In contrast to a "weak mayor," who has limited powers and relies heavily on the city council, a strong mayor can implement policies and initiatives more effectively. Cities like Chicago and New York have strong mayor systems, which can lead to more efficient management but may also raise concerns about checks and balances in governance.