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City Manager
Overview
The City Manager:- Provides coordination of and direction to the departments of the city
- Provides information to the City Council identifying community issues and needs
- Prepares reports and analysis to assist the City Council in making policy decisions
- Administers personnel, labor relations, and risk management functions
Duties
As the administrative head of the City Government, the City Manager is appointed by the council to enforce municipal laws, direct daily operations of the city, and prepare and implement the municipal budget. The formal duties of the City Manager include (but are not limited to) the following:- Work with elected officials as they develop policies. The manager may discuss problems and recommendations, propose new plans, or discuss issues that affect the community and its residents.
- Ensure that laws and policies approved by elected officials are equitably enforced throughout the city
- Seek feedback from residents and members of the business community to address and solve problems
- Prepare the annual budget, submit it to elected officials for approval, and implement it once approved
- Supervise department heads, administrative personnel, and other employees
- Investigate citizen complaints and problems within the administrative organization and recommend changes to elected officials
- Undertake any number of special studies, research efforts, and projects in support of council directives
About the City Manager
Jim Lewis became City Manager of Pismo Beach on March 1, 2013. He is passionate about public service and is committed to building quality and sustainable organizations that serve the public to their best and most efficient ability. During his tenure in Pismo Beach, Jim has focused on building a staff culture built on pride, integrity and service, enhancing the quality of life for residents through enhanced programs and services, and revitalizing the downtown and neighborhood commercial areas.
Prior to serving as City Manager of Pismo Beach, Jim served as the Assistant City Manager and President of the Office of Economic Development for the City of Atascadero. In this role, Jim was responsible for economic development, human resources, labor relations, technology, organizational development, the creation of new revenues and operating efficiencies and several special projects. Prior to this role, Jim served as the Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Claremont. In both positions, Jim was successful in transforming downtowns and building pride and positive relationships amongst business owners, community groups, neighborhoods and the city. He has helped build supportive, dedicated and entrepreneurial staff cultures focused on offering high customer service to the community. Jim also conducts strategic planning for his organizations.
Jim serves on the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities and recently served as President of the League of California Cities City Manager's Department. He has served as a Trustee for the California City Management Foundation as President of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC) in 2001. Jim is an ICMA credentialed manager (ICMA-CM).
Jim graduated with honors and received a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California and a Master of Public Administration at Syracuse University.
Jim is active in the Rotary Club of Pismo Beach and is married with two young children.
Professional Local Government Managers
The following video was prepared by the International City/County Management Association to raise awareness of the role professional local government managers play in building communities we're proud to call home. Local managers play an important role in making local government and the services it provides more effective, efficient, ethical, and transparent.