Local government organizations are more complex than ever. City/county managers and administrators oversee operations, guide strategic initiatives, support governing bodies, manage personnel, engage the community, pursue economic development, and navigate evolving social media, regulatory, and financial environments.

As expectations continue to grow, many cities and counties are expanding executive leadership capacity through the assistant or deputy city/county administrator/manager role, often referred to as an ACAO.

When thoughtfully structured, this key leadership position strengthens organizational performance, enhances coordination across departments, advances strategic priorities, and provides continuity during leadership transitions. The ACAO is a member of the executive leadership team and an effective utility position that helps organizations operate at a high level.

Expanding Leadership Capacity

City/county managers are responsible for a broad range of municipal operations that include public safety, public works, finance, community development, utilities, communications, information technology, human resources, and more. The breadth of these responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming for a single individual. Even the most experienced administrators face limits on time and strategic focus. The ACAO plays a critical role in addressing this challenge. By taking leadership responsibility for specific departments or operational areas, the ACAO allows the city manager or administrator to maintain a strategic overarching perspective while ensuring departments receive consistent executive support.

In many cities and counties, ACAOs directly supervise multiple department heads, lead cross-functional initiatives, and coordinate policy implementation. This shared leadership structure improves responsiveness, strengthens communication, and reduces decision-making bottlenecks. It creates clearer accountability and supports department directors with accessible executive leadership. The city/county manager remains the chief executive, while the ACAO enhances and multiplies execution and day-to-day effectiveness.

Maximizing Individual Strengths

In addition to department or operational oversight, the ACAO role provides flexibility to align leadership strengths with organizational needs. Every executive leader brings a unique skill set, and this position allows organizations to deploy those strengths where they are most impactful.

Depending on the organization, the ACAO may oversee administrative departments or focus on areas such as operational improvement, budget development, strategic planning, committee and commission coordination, communications, or economic development. With the right structure in place, a dynamic ACAO can drive both innovation and implementation.

In my experience, this role created the opportunity to focus on administrative department oversight, grant writing, strategic communication, and economic development. With dedicated attention to these areas, we secured millions of dollars in grant funding to support a revitalized Downtown Riverwalk, implemented an integrated marketing campaign to support local businesses during a full Main Street reconstruction, strengthened public perception, and enhanced communication with residents, staff, and stakeholders. These efforts advanced major projects across the organization and improved transparency and trust within the community.

Transitional Leadership Stability

ACAOs provide stability during leadership transitions. Turnover in local government is inevitable, whether due to retirements, career advancement, or unexpected departures. Without internal leadership capacity, these transitions can greatly disrupt operations, delay projects, and strain staff and governing bodies.

A strong ACAO provides continuity. They understand organizational priorities, maintain relationships with department leaders, and support operations during periods of change. The ACAO is often well-positioned to serve as interim city administrator or manager when needed. This continuity benefits both staff and elected officials. Projects remain on track, decision-making continues, and the organization maintains momentum. The presence of an ACAO also reduces the need for emergency interim arrangements and supports a smoother transition process. ACAOs also are positioned to step in for vacant or transitioning department head positions, ensuring continuity of service levels.

Beyond short-term transitions, the ACAO role supports long-term succession planning. While not every ACAO will move into a city/county manager or administrator role, the position provides valuable leadership development. Individuals in this role gain experience working with governing bodies, managing departments, overseeing budgets, and leading strategic initiatives. This exposure builds the competencies needed for future executive leadership roles.

In some cases, the ACAO becomes the next city/county manager. In others, the individual advances to lead another organization. In either case, the community benefits from stronger leadership development and reduced risk during future transitions. Succession planning is about preparing capable leaders. The ACAO role provides that preparation in a structured and practical way.

Clarifying the Role

Because the title can create confusion, it is important to clearly define the ACAO as an executive leadership position. This role is not clerical or limited to administrative support functions. It is designed to provide operational leadership, strategic coordination, and executive-level decision-making support.

ACAOs frequently oversee departments, lead major initiatives, coordinate cross-functional projects, and represent the organization both internally and externally. When structured effectively, the role strengthens communication, improves execution, and supports organizational alignment.

A Powerful Tool for Organizational Success

The ACAO is a strategic investment in leadership capacity, operational effectiveness, and organizational continuity. By alleviating executive workload, aligning leadership strengths, supporting transitions, and developing future leaders, this role helps cities and counties perform at a higher level.

Communities that embrace this model are better positioned to manage growth, implement strategic initiatives, respond to challenges and change—resulting in overall community and organization success. With clear expectations and thoughtful implementation, the ACAO becomes a valuable force that strengthens leadership, supports staff, and delivers improved outcomes for the community.

JESS WILDES is a partner at Innovative Public Advisors and a former assistant city administrator for West Bend, Wisconsin.