Ankeny’s City Manager Appointment: A Sign of Shifting Trends in Local Government Leadership
The recent appointment of Mike Schrock as Ankeny, Iowa’s permanent city manager, following his interim role and a nationwide search, isn’t just a local personnel change. It’s a microcosm of broader trends reshaping how cities across the US approach leadership, succession planning, and the very definition of a ‘city manager.’
The Rise of the ‘Homegrown’ Leader
For years, cities often looked externally for experienced city managers, seeking individuals with proven track records in different locales. While that practice continues, there’s a growing preference for promoting from within. Schrock’s trajectory – Assistant City Manager to Interim, and now permanent City Manager – exemplifies this. According to a 2023 survey by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), 45% of city manager appointments in the past year were internal promotions, a significant increase from 32% five years prior. This suggests a desire for stability and a deeper understanding of the community’s specific needs.
This trend is driven by several factors. Internal candidates already understand the city’s culture, existing challenges, and ongoing projects. They’ve built relationships with staff and stakeholders, reducing the learning curve and potential disruption that often accompanies an external hire. Ankeny Mayor Bobbi Bentz’s statement highlights this, emphasizing Schrock’s “clear understanding of the council’s priorities” and “strong leadership with our staff.”
Succession Planning: No Longer an Afterthought
The vacancy created by David Jones’ departure to Urbandale underscores the importance of proactive succession planning. Historically, many cities reacted to resignations rather than anticipating them. Now, there’s a growing recognition that a well-defined succession plan minimizes disruption and ensures continuity of leadership.
The fact that Ankeny had an interim manager already in place – and a relatively swift transition to a permanent appointment – suggests a degree of preparedness. However, many cities still lag behind. A 2022 report by MissionSquare Research found that only 38% of local governments have a formal succession plan for key leadership positions. This leaves them vulnerable to instability and potential setbacks when key personnel leave.
The Expanding Role of the City Manager
The role of the city manager is evolving beyond traditional administrative duties. Today’s city managers are increasingly expected to be strategic thinkers, economic developers, and community engagement specialists. They must navigate complex issues like affordable housing, climate change, and infrastructure modernization.
Schrock’s 20+ years of public administration experience, including overseeing major city projects, speaks to this expanded skillset. Cities are looking for leaders who can not only manage day-to-day operations but also drive long-term vision and innovation. Consider the example of Austin, Texas, where City Manager Spencer Cronk was recently fired, in part due to criticism over the city’s response to a winter storm – highlighting the increasing accountability placed on city managers for handling crises and delivering essential services.
The Impact of Regional Talent Movement
David Jones’ move from Ankeny to Urbandale illustrates another trend: increased mobility of talent within regional metropolitan areas. As cities compete for economic development and quality of life, experienced public administrators are often recruited to neighboring communities. This creates a ripple effect, requiring cities to focus on retention strategies and cultivate a strong employer brand.
FAQ: City Manager Appointments & Trends
- What is the typical tenure of a city manager? The average tenure is around 7-10 years, but this varies significantly depending on the city and the individual.
- What qualifications are typically required for a city manager position? A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field is common, along with significant experience in local government.
- How does a city conduct a city manager search? Most cities utilize executive search firms specializing in local government recruitment, alongside public advertising and community input.
- Is the ICMA credential important? Yes, the ICMA-credentialed manager designation is highly regarded and demonstrates a commitment to ethical and professional standards.
As Ankeny moves forward with recruiting a new assistant city manager, it will be interesting to observe whether they prioritize an internal candidate, further solidifying the trend of homegrown leadership. The choices cities make now will shape the future of local government for years to come.
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