City Manager

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Overview

A city manager works in collaboration with elected officials and other city workers to make sure the day-to-day responsibilities of the various departments are executed properly. A city manager is hired and directed by the elected city council. Although the city manager is not an elected official, they still serve the public.
This position focuses on public service and leadership, as a city manager is essentially the chief executive officer (CEO) of the city.

Explore this career guide to learn about a typical city manager job description and the process of how to become a city manager.

If a city can be compared to a company, then a city manager is like the CEO.
The city manager is charged with overseeing the daily affairs of the municipality. They implement the policies of the council effectively and efficiently.

The city manager can also serve as the public face of the local government and may routinely meet with members of the media to answer questions. If a crisis occurs, such as a natural disaster, the city manager may hold a press conference and will work to help the community navigate the problem. The specific powers and tasks of a city manager can vary from one municipality to the next, so when asking the question, what does a city manager do?,

it is advisable to research the cities or towns you’re interested in working for to learn about their government structure and the role of the city manager.

These professionals have a broad range of responsibilities, including the following:

Creating Budgets

City managers develop and maintain the city’s budget.

They provide guidance to council members regarding various issues and council decisions.

Implementing Programs and Services

They execute legislation and initiatives enacted by the city council.

City managers appoint department heads and manage senior-level employees.

Managing City Services

They ensure utilities and services are operational and accessible by the public.

Allocating Resources

City managers provide resources to support community projects and events.

Representing the City

They attend community events and meetings, providing updates and coordinating with representatives and members of the public.

Education

Learning how to become a city manager is beneficial if you are interested in a career in local government. Following this educational and experiential path can help prepare you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a city manager.

While there is no universal education pathway, here are steps you can take to get started in this career:

High School Diploma

If you are still in high school and considering a career in city management, you can benefit from taking classes that emphasize communication skills and critical thinking. Courses in humanities, economics, accounting, law and governance are all good options. Joining the debate club is also worth considering, as is pursuing internship positions in public organizations, including nonprofit groups.

College Degree

After high school, you should plan on earning at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Many city managers hold a bachelor’s degree in areas such as public administration, political science or business administration. (See disclaimer 2 )

Earning a graduate degree isn’t always a requirement to become a city manager, but there is an increase of individuals entering the role with a master’s degree in public administration or a related field, according to the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). (See disclaimer 2 )

Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificates can help advance your knowledge in specific areas that are relevant to your…