Ala. Code § 11-44E-91

The city manager shall be appointed by a majority vote of the commission. He (She) shall be chosen without regard to political beliefs and solely upon the basis of his (her) executive and administrative qualifications, with special recognition to his (her) actual experience in, or knowledge of, the duties of his office as defined by this chapter. The choice shall not be limited to inhabitants of the city or the State of Alabama, but once appointed to the office, the city manager shall reside within the city. No elected official of the city shall be appointed to the position of city manager during the term for which he (she) shall have been elected nor within one year after the expiration of such term.