Civic Council and KC Chamber putting pressure on to keep City Manager Troy Schulte around

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A big part of a city manager’s longevity in Kansas City hinges on the support of the business community.

Former City Manager Wayne Cauthen’s standing among civic and business elites began to wane, and that had more to do with his firing in 2009 than former Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser’s misgivings about Cauthen’s work.

Troy Schulte, on the other hand, does have the support of key business and civic figures. On Tuesday afternoon, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce told Mayor Sly James and the rest of the City Council to get their act together and get Schulte under a long-term contract.

Schulte has held Kansas City’s top administrative job since Cauthen was sent packing, and by most accounts has done a good job in what’s one of the most difficult public positions in the metro. It came as somewhat of a surprise when he didn’t get a long-term contract when his previous one ran out at the end of November. Schulte instead got a three-month extension. Council members outwardly said they wanted a short deal to get to know Schulte better. Inwardly, some council members wanted to send a message to James that they’re not up to doing whatever the mayor wants them to do. 

The pressure from the Chamber and the Civic Council (the latter a klatch of business and civic elites) may pave the way for Schulte’s contract extension. Both organizations, which have varying levels of influence on City Hall issues, couched their support for Schulte alongside their campaign to renew the earnings tax, which comes up for election in April. At more than $220 million, the earnings tax is the largest single source of revenue for the city’s general fund. If it goes away, the city faces severe pressure to cut services or raise taxes some other way.

“A key factor in our confidence and trust in City government has been the leadership of City Manager Troy Schulte,” reads the Chamber letter. “Troy has demonstrated professionalism in working with the Mayor and City Council and in assembling a team of bright, innovative and committed public servants to lead and staff the City’s departments. Troy also has established a strong reputation as a transparent leader. His integrity, humility and focus on meeting the needs of citizens, combined with the positive working relationship with the elected leaders at City Hall, have communicated to the public the image of a city government that works.”

It’s hard to disagree with those sentiments.

Schulte came to Kansas City from a small town in eastern Iowa, starting here as the city’s budget director before taking over as city manager. Schulte came into the job with professional credentials and a background in municipal policies. His knowledge of the city budget is crucial in top-level decision making. Cauthen, his predecessor, was a political mover and shaker rather than a seasoned administrator.