Understanding the Role of a City Manager
When it comes to local governance, there’s one key figure who often works behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of municipal services and the effective implementation of city policies. This essential role is filled by the city manager.
Join us as we discuss the role of a city manager, including details about how one becomes a city manager, the typical salary involved, and the dynamics of a council-manager government.
What Is a City Manager?
The council-manager type of municipal government is one of the five major forms of local government. In this configuration, the city manager is the chief executive officer of a city, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of municipal government. They’re typically appointed by the city council.
Ideally, the city manager provides an apolitical and professional approach to managing city affairs.
The city manager’s duties include:
Implementing city council policies
Preparing the annual budget
Supervising department heads
Ensuring that the city's services are delivered efficiently
City managers must be adept at navigating complex bureaucratic systems, leading large teams, and communicating effectively with both elected officials and the public.
For example, the city manager of Raleigh, North Carolina, oversees a staff of more than 4,000 full-time employees who are spread across 20 departments.
Phoenix, Arizona, with a population of more than 1.6 million, is the largest U.S. city to utilize the council-manager form of local government. In addition to the city council, Phoenix’s city manager works with a core staff of one assistant and six deputy city managers to oversee the efficiency and function of 30 city departments and more than 14,000 employees.
Their role is critical in making sure that the city runs smoothly and that the community's needs are met.
How Do You Become a City Manager?
If you want to become a city manager, you’ll need a combination of education, experience, and skills. Most city managers hold at least a bachelor's degree in the fields of public administration, political science, urban planning, or a related area. Many also possess a master's degree in public administration (MPA) or a related discipline, which provides advanced knowledge and skills in public sector management.
In addition to formal education, aspiring city managers usually gain experience through roles such as assistant city manager, department head, or other administrative positions within municipal government. These roles help them to develop the necessary skills in leadership, financial management, and public policy.
Networking and professional development are also important. Joining professional organizations like the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) can provide valuable resources, training, and connections.
How Much Does a City Manager Make?
City managers are well-compensated for their expertise and responsibilities. Salaries vary widely depending on the size of the city, its budget, and the cost of living in the area. In cities and municipalities with this form of local government, the responsibilities are wide-ranging and considerable.
According to Ziprecruiter, the average annual salary for city managers in the United States is around $115,000. However, in larger cities or affluent areas, city managers can earn significantly more.
For example, some city managers have salaries that are even higher than state-level executive officials — which can be a point of controversy in discussions about local government spending.
Here are a few examples of high-earning city managers:
Raleigh, NC: City manager Marchell Adams-David recently received a 10% raise, the second of her tenure, bringing her salary to $356,375 a year. The increase in her pay has brought on criticism from various community members.
Austin, TX: The city of Austin recently hired T.C. Broadnax for a base salary of $470,000, plus benefits that include a semi-annual housing allowance of $5,000 per month. This is a pay increase of $50,000 over his former salary as the Dallas city manager and $82,000 more than the salary of his predecessor.
Daly City, CA: Daly City is one of several cities in the Bay Area paying city managers exorbitant salaries. The current city manager, Thomas Piccolotti, will earn approximately $400,000. By 2026, the annual salary will increase to $420,449.
Sacramento, CA: Not to be outdone, the city of Sacramento increased the pay for their city manager to $420,000 annually and provided six additional weeks of paid vacation, for a total of 10. This comes at a time when California and many of its cities are experiencing budget shortfalls and spending cuts.
These high salaries reflect the significant responsibilities and complexities involved in managing large and dynamic cities. However, the amount of money, power, and perks involved can also contribute to political corruption at the local level.
How Does a Council-Manager Government Work?
A council-manager government is a system of municipal governance that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials with the professional management expertise of an appointed city manager. In this form of government, the city council is responsible for making policy decisions, while the city manager handles the administrative implementation of those policies.
The city council, which includes the mayor and council members, is elected by the citizens and serves as the city’s legislative body. The city council sets the vision, policies, and goals for the city. The city manager executes these policies, manages city staff, and oversees the daily operations of the city. This system is designed to ensure that the city is run efficiently and effectively, leveraging both political and administrative expertise.
How Do the Mayor and City Council Collaborate with the City Manager?
A council-manager form of city government works a little differently than a simpler mayor-and-city-council combination. While both forms of government include a mayor and city council, the distribution of power and duties is different when you add a city manager to the equation.
The main difference is that mayors are elected, and city managers are hired or appointed by the city council. A solid collaboration between the mayor, city council, and city manager is essential for the successful governance of cities with this form of government.
Usually, the city manager handles the administrative functions, while the mayor and city council provide the political leadership and policy direction.
Here’s how it breaks down in practice:
Policy Implementation: The city council and mayor set the policies and strategic direction for the city. The city manager then develops and implements plans to achieve these goals, ensuring that the city’s operations align with the council’s vision.
Budget Management: The city manager prepares the annual budget for the city council’s review and approval. This process involves identifying funding priorities, allocating resources, and managing expenditures to meet the city’s needs while maintaining financial stability.
Communication: Effective communication is crucial. The city manager regularly updates the mayor and council on the status of various projects, city operations, and any issues that may arise. This ensures that elected officials are fully informed so that they can make decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.
Problem-Solving: When challenges or conflicts arise, the city manager works with the mayor and council to find solutions. This collaborative approach helps to address issues efficiently and maintain a cohesive governance structure.
How You Can Get Involved in Local Government
Local government plays a crucial role in shaping how your community is run and impacts the quality of life in your city more directly than state and federal governments. Understanding the role of a city manager highlights the importance of professional management of government at the local level.
By getting involved in local government, you can help ensure that your community is well-managed, responsive to citizens' needs, and prepared for future growth. Consider attending city council meetings, volunteering for local boards or commissions, or even running for office.
Your involvement can lead to positive changes and a better future for your city!
Final Thoughts
A city manager is a vital component of municipal government who is responsible for translating the policies set by elected officials into effective action. By understanding the role and importance of a city manager, you’ll gain insight into the inner workings of your city.
With this deeper understanding of local government roles like that of a city manager, you can better appreciate the complexities and efforts involved in running a city more efficiently. We hope this will inspire you to take a more active role in your community, whether by running for office or simply staying informed and engaged.
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