city manager

American  

noun

1. a person not publicly elected but appointed by a city council to manage a city.

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city manager British  

noun

1. (in the US) an administrator hired by a municipal council to manage its affairs See also council-manager plan

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Etymology

Origin of city manager

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

In Social Circle, Georgia, the city manager shut off water to a warehouse ICE had purchased amid concerns about strains on local resources.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

“Because of how we acquired the site, I think we have a mandate to build,” said Town Manager Brad Raulston, who previously was city manager and oversaw housing in a San Diego suburb.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Without disclosing an exact amount, the city manager said that Pico Rivera had set aside some funding for strategic real estate acquisitions and that this would be the ideal investment for the community.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

At the time, the city manager warned CoreCivic “that the building is unsafe and violates the fire code because its construction prevents radio signals from transmitting from key areas,” the lawsuit points out.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

The city manager was a chum of Keith and High, and C.P. accompanied the two on several visits to his office.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson