City Management

What do City Managers do?

City managers help bridge the gap between politics and administration. They serve as the chief executive of city government and typically oversee all city staff, as well as carry out the council's laws and communicate other decisions.

Essential Duties

  • Plan, direct, coordinate and exercise general supervision over the work of all departments, including the activities of Administrative, Police, Fire and Public Works Departments.
  • Serve as a liaison between City staff, the Mayor, and the City Council: attend all meetings of the City Council; brief Council Members on pending agenda items and other City issues.
  • Direct city operations through subordinate department heads: coordinate city-wide management activities and facilitate implementation strategies; apprise city council members of emergencies.
  • Recommend and implement organizational structure and control system for the business departments of the City and to ensure that processes are in place to conduct the City’s business within the legal and policy framework.
  • Maintain constant focus on the municipal needs of the residents of the City and respond to citizen inquiries and requests for service as well as media requests in a professional and customer service oriented manner.
  • Supervise and prepare the annual budget, budget amendments and Capital Equipment and Improvement Program for the Administrative Office of the city/municipal agency.
  • Coordinate special projects for the City, including the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of construction/renovation projects, management studies, introduction of new programs, and various professional services.
  • Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules, and expedite workflow; research and standardize procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
  • Designate an appropriate department head or City employee to prepare items for inclusion in the official agenda of all City Council meetings and meetings of all boards and commissions.
  • Interact with members of the City Boards, Commissions, Fire and Ambulance Departments, to actively engage and promote volunteer participation in the overall operation of City government.

Job Outlook

Employment of property, real estate, and community association managers is projected to show little or no change from 2019 to 2029. Job opportunities should be best for those with a college degree in business administration or real estate and for those who obtain professional credentials.