How To Become a City Manager
How To Become a City Manager
Start your GCU
journey today.
journey today.
Aspiring city managers can get started on their higher education journey with a focus in public administration. This area of focus gives you the opportunity to gain a firm understanding of the inner workings of state and local governments and how they affect populations. A public administration degree can also teach you how to think critically, apply analytical reasoning skills, make ethical decisions and communicate effectively with people from a range of backgrounds.
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) teaches advanced leadership and budgeting skills for those looking to position themselves for potential career advancement.
Public administration programs may cover a range of topics, such as:
Theory and practice of governmental administration
Potential impacts of proposed public policy
Comparative government and international politics
Types of municipal government organizations
Common issues for city administrators
City managers use a variety of hard and soft skills to ensure they maintain their commitment to building public trust and confidence, achieving social justice and improving the quality of life for their community members.
Essential skills for city managers include:(See disclaimer 2)
Project management
City planning
Personnel administration
Fiscal prudence of public funds
Program and policy implementation
Diplomacy
Effective communication
Critical thinking
Innovative problem-solving
Ethical leadership
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.
63.2% of city managers hold at least a bachelor’s degree.(See disclaimer 1)
Make a positive impact on your community as a city manager. Get started by earning your bachelor’s or master’s in public administration at Grand Canyon University.
A city manager is an appointed executive government position that performs an administrative role in multiple departments.(See disclaimer 3)
These include:
Law enforcement
Working with police department leadership to provide citizens with quality services for a safe community.
Fire Department
Leading city fire departments in providing professional services that protect the lives and properties of its citizens.
Education
Connecting city services and public schools to help students succeed in school and beyond.
Sanitation
Guiding the city’s sanitation department to create operational efficiencies and a more sustainable community.
Median annual wage for top executives as of May 2023(See disclaimer 4)
Estimated new jobs for top executives from 2022 to 2032(See disclaimer 5)
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.
Advising Council
They provide guidance to councilmembers regarding various issues and council decisions.
Implementing Programs and Services
They execute legislation and initiatives enacted by the city council.
Leading Leaders
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.
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
College Degree
Graduate Certificates
Internships
Entry-Level Roles
Professional Certifications
If you are interested in becoming a city manager, we invite you to explore these relevant degree programs at GCU. If you have specific questions regarding eligibility or requirements, please complete the form on this page to connect with a university counselor.
A public administration degree can prepare graduates to pursue careers in local, state and federal government among other organizations.
Do you want to incorporate your passion for the political system into your career?
Are you the kind of person who eagerly devours the day’s headlines and enjoys dreaming up solutions to major societal problems?
While a city manager is considered a high-level position, those with the necessary experience may choose to pursue further career advancement. The most common career progression for a city manager is to advance to a general manager or operations manager role.(See disclaimer 6)
