Ames operates under a Mayor-Council form of government with a City Manager. The principle of this type of government is that the Council sets policy and the City Manager carries it out.
Steve Schainker e-mail: sschainker@city.ames.ia.us
The City Manager is the City’s chief administrator. The City Manager appoints all department heads and is responsible to the Council for proper administration of all city business, and for the annual budget.
Assistant City Manager - Bob Kindred
Assistant City Manager - Sheila Lundt
The City Attorney represents the City before any court of law or tribunal and prosecutes or defends all actions or proceedings on behalf of the City. The City Attorney can also act as a legal advisor on official business to all City officials, boards and commissions.
The City Clerk keeps an accurate record of all proceedings, including all rules and ordinances adopted by the Council. The City Clerk has various duties including issuing licenses and permits, has custody of bonds, contracts and other legal documents, and serves as Deputy to the Story County Commissioner of Elections. For information about City Council meetings, the agenda, voter registration or polling places, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (515) 239-5105.
The Mayor is elected for a four-year term. The Mayor presides at Council meetings and appoints members of various city boards, commissions, and committees with the approval of the Council.
The six members of the Council are elected for staggered four-year terms. One member is elected from each of the four wards and two are elected at large. The Council appoints the City Attorney and City Manager.
Ames has four wards and 20 precincts. Maps are available at the Auditor’s Office in the Story County Courthouse, Nevada, 515-382-7210.