On February 6, 2006, Richard
Clark was appointed City Manager and is responsible for the day-to-day
management of the City. As City
Manager, Mr. Clark serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City,
supervises all City departments and staff, serves as the primary advisor to
the City Council, prepares the operating and capital improvements budgets for
final approval, works with state and federal legislative issues, meets with
citizens and neighborhood organizations, directs major economic development
initiatives, and is the chief negotiator for city government.
Mr. Clark began his career with the City of Des Moines in the City's
Planning Department in 1973 after obtaining a B.A. in Business and Economics
from Cornell College and a Master Degree in Community and Regional Planning
from Iowa State University. In
1985, he became the Deputy City Manager.
As Deputy City Manager, Mr. Clark was responsible for all economic
development activity within the City including the rejuvenation of the
downtown, which is currently experiencing over $2 billion in new public
and private construction.
