In Episode 4 of Civics 101, Dallas Weekly’s original digital series dedicated to breaking down the inner workings of local government, viewers are introduced to one of the most powerful yet often misunderstood roles in municipal leadership: the City Manager.
While the title may not be widely recognized by the average resident, the City Manager holds the reins to Dallas’ daily operations and long-term growth strategy—making this unelected role one of the most influential positions in city government. In Dallas, that responsibility belongs to Kim Tolbert, who made history as the first woman appointed to serve in this role.
Unlike the mayor or city council members, the City Manager isn’t chosen by voters. Instead, the position is appointed by the City Council, and serves as the chief executive officer of Dallas’ municipal government. Tolbert’s responsibilities include managing a $4 billion city budget, overseeing more than 13,000 employees, and coordinating essential services that touch every corner of the city. From public safety and sanitation to infrastructure, housing, and urban development, her decisions directly affect the everyday lives of Dallas residents.
“Most people don’t even realize the City Manager exists, let alone understand the scope of the position,” the episode explains. “But whether it’s the condition of your roads, the efficiency of trash collection, or the pace of new housing developments in your area, it all ties back to this office.”
Since stepping into the role—first as interim City Manager in 2024 and officially appointed in January 2025—Tolbert has earned praise for streamlining city operations and implementing significant cost-saving measures. Under her leadership, Dallas achieved its largest-ever property tax cut while closing a $38 million revenue gap and balancing the city’s budget for fiscal year 2024-2025.
Episode 4 not only provides insight into Tolbert’s leadership but also highlights the importance of civic literacy. By demystifying the City Manager’s responsibilities, Civics 101 aims to help residents better understand where their tax dollars go, how services are delivered, and how to hold decision-makers accountable.
“Understanding your local government isn’t optional—it’s essential,” said the series’ host. “When you know how your city works, you can make it work better for you.”
Launched by Dallas Weekly in early 2025, Civics 101 is a nonpartisan video series designed to empower Dallas residents with the knowledge they need to navigate their local political landscape. Each episode focuses on a different branch or function of local government—from the City Council to bond elections—helping audiences move from passive awareness to active participation.
As Dallas continues to grow and evolve, the role of the City Manager becomes increasingly central to how the city responds to challenges and opportunities alike. Episode 4 underscores that while Kim Tolbert may not be a household name to every resident, her decisions are woven into the fabric of daily life in Dallas.
For those who want to understand the system behind the services—and the people steering the city’s future—Civics 101 is must-watch content.
Watch the full episode and subscribe for future installments at dallasweekly.com, and follow along on social media.