The City of Ellensburg is operated under a Council-Manager form of government. As the Chief Executive Officer of the City, the City Manager implements the policies set by the City Council, provides leadership and oversight to the staff team in the delivery of City services, and serves as the City's representative regarding regional, state and federal issues.
The manager oversees a workforce of approximately 160 employees and an annual budget of $86.4 million.
The Office of the City Manager is responsible for the execution of policies established by the
City Council and for providing administrative direction for all city departments.
Heidi Behrends Cerniwey is the Ellensburg City Manager.