12 City Manager Skills: Definition and Examples

By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Published September 3, 2022

In order to be a successful city manager, there are a few key skills that are necessary. This article will provide definitions for 12 of those skills, including: budgeting, financial management, human resources, economic development, community development, intergovernmental relations, land use planning, project management, public safety, public works, and risk management. With a clear understanding of these skills, city managers can better serve their communities.

Create your resume
Select from 7 professional resume templates

Communication

The ability to communicate effectively is critical for city managers, who must be able to convey information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences. This includes both verbal and written communication, as well as the ability to listen attentively. Good communication skills are essential in order to build relationships with elected officials, department heads, and other key stakeholders.

Budgeting

The ability to effectively budget is an important skill for city managers. They need to be able to allocate resources in a way that meets the needs of the city while also staying within the constraints of the budget. This requires careful planning and analysis to ensure that the city's finances are being used in the most efficient way possible.

Planning

The ability to plan is a critical skill for city managers. They must be able to develop long-term plans for the city that take into account the needs of all stakeholders. This includes creating budgets, setting priorities, and coordinating resources. Without this skill, it would be difficult to effectively manage a city.

Organizational

Organizational skills are important for city managers because they need to be able to effectively manage and coordinate the activities of the various departments within their municipality. They must also be able to develop and implement plans and policies in a way that will achieve the desired results.

Time Management

Time management is a skill that is essential for any city manager. A city manager must be able to juggle multiple tasks and priorities at once, and time management skills will help them to do this effectively. Without good time management skills, a city manager may find themselves overwhelmed by their workload and unable to get everything done.

Decision Making

The ability to make decisions is a critical skill for city managers. They must be able to quickly and effectively assess a situation, identify potential options and consequences, and choose the best course of action. This skill is important because it allows city managers to keep their cities running smoothly and efficiently, while also responding quickly to any problems that may arise.

Interpersonal

Interpersonal skills are the skills that you use to interact with other people. They include communication, empathy, and teamwork. As a city manager, you need interpersonal skills to be able to effectively communicate with your staff, build relationships with community members, and work collaboratively with other city officials.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is the process of resolving a disagreement or dispute. It is often used to refer to the process of resolving conflicts between people, but it can also be used to resolve conflicts between groups or organizations.

Conflict resolution skills are important for city managers because they often have to deal with disagreements and disputes between different people and groups. City managers need to be able to find ways to resolve these conflicts so that everyone can continue to work together.

Negotiation

The ability to negotiate is an important skill for city managers, as they often have to negotiate with different stakeholders in order to get things done. This includes negotiating with city council members, developers, and community groups. Negotiation skills are important in order to be able to find common ground and reach agreements that are beneficial for all parties involved.

Public Speaking

Public speaking is the process of communicating a message to an audience. It is an important skill for city managers because they often have to give presentations or speeches to groups of people. They need to be able to clearly communicate their ideas and vision for the city.

Presentation

The ability to give presentations is an important skill for city managers. They may need to present information to the city council, staff, or the public. A good presentation can help city managers communicate their ideas and plans clearly and persuasively.

Writing

The ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively is essential for any city manager. They must be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including elected officials, city staff, and members of the public. Writing skills are also important for creating reports, proposals, and other documents that explain the work of the city government.

How to improve city manager skills

There is no one answer to this question, as the skills needed to be an effective city manager vary depending on the size and type of municipality. However, there are some general skills and knowledge areas that all city managers should strive to develop.

One of the most important skills for any city manager is the ability to effectively communicate with elected officials, department heads, and other stakeholders. This includes being able to clearly articulate the goals and objectives of the municipality, as well as providing regular updates on progress towards those goals. Strong communication skills also involve being able to listen to others and take their input into account when making decisions.

Another key skill for city managers is financial management. This includes developing and managing budgets, as well as overseeing procurement and contracting processes. It is also important to be able to identify potential sources of revenue and grant funding, and to have a good understanding of how tax revenue is generated and used.

City managers must also be able to effectively manage personnel. This includes hiring and firing employees, as well as handling employee discipline and grievances. It is also important to be able to develop clear job descriptions and performance expectations, and to provide ongoing training and development opportunities for employees.

Finally, city managers need to have a good understanding of municipal laws and regulations. This includes knowing which laws apply to the municipality, as well as how those laws can be interpreted and applied. It is also important to be familiar with the procedures for conducting public meetings, issuing permits, and taking enforcement action.

How to highlight city manager skills

As a city manager, you will need to be able to effectively communicate with a variety of people, including city council members, department heads, and the public. You will also need to be able to handle difficult situations and make tough decisions. You should be able to demonstrate your skills in these areas through your experience and education.

On a resume

In order to highlight your skills as a City Manager on your resume, you should list your experience working with city government, as well as any relevant coursework or training. You should also highlight any experience you have in managing budgets, personnel, or projects. Finally, be sure to list any awards or recognition you have received for your work in city management.

In a cover letter

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills as a City Manager. As a City Manager, you are responsible for the overall management of a city. This includes overseeing the city's budget, planning and development, public safety, and transportation. Your skills in these areas will be essential in ensuring that the city runs smoothly and efficiently. Be sure to emphasize your experience and expertise in these areas in your cover letter, and explain how you will use these skills to benefit the city as its manager.

During an interview

In order to highlight your skills as a City Manager during an interview, you should first assess what the interviewer is looking for. Is the interviewer looking for someone with experience in a particular area? If so, be sure to emphasize your experience in that area. Is the interviewer looking for someone who is able to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions? If so, be sure to share an example of a time when you were able to do just that. Whatever the case may be, be sure to tailor your answer to what the interviewer is looking for.