Their work affects how people live within their municipalities and how essential services like local law enforcement are maintained and supported.  

But what is a government official, and what does a local government official do? Learn about this rewarding field and the educational path many take to begin a career in public service.  

What Is a Government Official, and What Are a Local Official’s Responsibilities? 

Local government officials work for cities, towns and counties overseeing the day-to-day operations that keep their municipalities operating smoothly. The individuals who fill key positions are either elected or appointed.  

Common elected positions include: 

• Mayor 

• City or town councilmember 

• County judge 

Common appointed positions include:  

• City manager  

• County board commissioner  

• City planner  

Local government officials manage critical functions such as public safety, housing and sanitation. They make crucial decisions that impact the lives of residents in their communities.  

Whether they are elected or appointed, public officials oversee responsibilities like drafting and enforcing ordinances and managing local budgets, among other important tasks. They often juggle multiple roles, handling both public engagement and administrative duties. Within larger jurisdictions, these roles tend to be more specialized and involve coordination with state and federal agencies.

What Does a City Manager Do? 

City managers are the top administrators in a city. They work behind the scenes to ensure that the city’s daily operations run efficiently. Often, their work requires close cooperation with the mayor to ensure seamless implementation of public projects and coordinated communication efforts.  

City managers are typically appointed by the city council. In their role as top administrators, they work to execute the council’s policies while overseeing the city’s staff, its departments and the overall budget. Specific tasks they may perform on a given day include overseeing: 

• Infrastructure projects 

• Public safety initiatives 

• Municipal services  

• Long-term strategic planning 

City managers must be effective communicators and skilled administrators, often needing to coordinate resources and scheduling among political leaders, department heads and the public. They also prepare reports, propose budgets and ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws. The role is ideal for professionals who prefer leading through management rather than campaigning for elected office. 

The median annual salary for city managers as of June 2025 was approximately $96,000, according to Payscale. City managers working in large cities generally have higher salaries than those in smaller cities. City managers are classified as top executives by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects 6 percent job growth for these positions between 2023 and 2033.  

Where Do Local Government Officials Work? 

Local government officials work in a wide range of environments. Many spend their days working in their local city hall, county building or municipal office, where they oversee departments and meet with staff and other government leaders. Their responsibilities often take them into the community as well, where they attend public meetings and engage directly with residents.  

In addition to traditional government offices, some public officials work in specialized districts where they may focus on transportation, housing or another important area of the public sector. Whether they are performing administrative tasks or responding to real-time community needs, these officials make their local government work.  

How to Become a Local Government Official 

Anyone exploring what a government official is as a possible career path should consider the education and experience needed to lead in public service. Earning a degree in public administration, political science or a related field is often a critical first step.  

Earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) can be a starting point for anyone seeking to pursue a career as a local government manager, policy advisor or department head. MPA programs are geared toward future public leaders, providing them with invaluable knowledge in important areas such as budgeting, ethics, policy analysis and organizational leadership.  

An internship with a local government department or nonprofit organization can provide aspiring local government officials with a close-up view of public operations and can help them begin to build their professional network.  

Entry-level positions that can serve as steppingstones to government leadership roles include administrative assistant, budget analyst and community outreach coordinator roles. While some positions may not require an advanced degree, an MPA can provide individuals with a competitive edge and help accelerate their advancement into higher-level roles. 

Launch Your Career as a Local Government Official 

In today’s complex public sector landscape, the Master of Public Administration program from SEMO Online can equip ambitious professionals with the tools to launch or advance in their career as a leader at the city, county, state or federal level.  

The 36-credit program is led by experienced faculty and combines practical coursework with your choice of a thesis or internship capstone. This gives you the knowledge and real-world experience that can enable you to thrive in the public sector.  

Whether you aspire to lead community initiatives, shape policy or manage city budgets, SEMO Online’s MPA program can help you develop the strategic communication and analytical skills you need to stand out in today’s job market.  

Take the next step toward a purpose-driven career today.