The mission of the City's Manager's Office is for Austin to be the best-managed city in the country.

In 1924, Austin adopted the Council-Manager form of government through a Charter amendment vote. The City Manager reports to the Council which sets policy for the City Manager to carry out.

On Dec. 19, 2017, the Austin City Council voted to select Spencer Cronk as the City Manager. The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization of more than 14,000 employees and a budget of $3.9 billion. City operations range from animal services to zoning to the electric and water utilities. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is also included in the City’s operations.

Consistent with the Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023 , the Mr. Cronk aligned his office with the six strategic outcomes.  Mr. Cronk has direct oversight of Austin Energy, Austin Water, and the Law Department while the Deputy and Assistant City Managers focus on advancing their assigned outcomes. Departments have been aligned based on the outcome they primarily impact and support.