The City Manager is responsible for implementing the policy direction of the City Council in an efficient and responsive manner. The City Manager submits the annual budget, advises the City Council on matters affecting the City, administers and oversees City operations, and appoints and removes City personnel.
The City of Wichita has operated under the Council-Manager form of government since 1917. The City Manager's Office has responsibilities for all matters involving the City, but has sole responsibility in several areas.
Responsiveness to citizens is one of the most prominent responsibilities. The Manager's Office handles numerous contacts each day, ranging from telephone and electronic mail inquiries to faxes. On average, the Manager's Office receives about 40 telephone contacts, 100 faxes, and 50 letters per day from citizens and business people requesting information or assistance.
Another key duty of the Manager's Office is assisting the Council with special projects and research assignments. Some recent projects have included: staffing the Regional Area Economic Partnership (REAP), an organization serving to unite cities and counties in south-central Kansas on issues of mutual interest and economic growth, and coordinating public information sessions to discuss the benefits and impacts of annexation on affected residents.
Other duties of the City Manager's Office include the preparation of agendas for weekly Council meetings, the staffing of various boards, commissions, and task forces; and the oversight of the non-departmental programs and activities.