In small and midsized cities, the city manager often must assume the responsibilities of department heads. These communities rely on the city manager to fulfill many of the city government's duties. From performing financial duties, to designing water rate plans, to handling emergency dispatch calls, a city manager is the catchall employee for communities that cannot afford to hire additional professional staff. The City Manager's Desk Reference comprises three sections: • Developing Organizational Abilities: This section discusses how to develop the desired organizational abilities, including the cultural issues involved, developing the city's mission and departmental missions, and the values that give an organization a common purpose and direction. It includes a sample strategic plan and a model advisory board eBook. • City Services: This section deals with the services provided by the city to its residents. Among other useful tools, this section provides a sample public works design manual and a model street maintenance operational manual. • City Operations: This section deals with the departments that support the city government and its operations. This section contains a model leadership development eBook for city employees, a sample personnel policies and procedures manual, and a model safety eBook. The eBook versions of this title feature links to Lexis Advance for further legal research options.