According to a recent release, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas today designated Assistant City Manager Earnest Rouse to the position of Acting City Manager, effective immediately, as Mayor Lucas and the City Council continues the City’s national search for a permanent City Manager.

“Mr. Rouse understands fiscal responsibility, our core mission to deliver basic services for our residents, and is known throughout the organization as a strong, experienced mentor, leader and supervisor,” said Mayor Lucas. “Mr. Rouse – who has served the past 30 years in a variety of roles and departments within the Kansas City government – will bring important perspective to the city manager’s office as we work to make Kansas City a quality, safe, and affordable place to live for all.”

“I’m humbled to be able to serve Kansas City in this new capacity,” said Rouse. “I look forward to working closely with Mayor Lucas, the City Council, and my City colleagues to continue improving the City’s basic services.”

Rouse is the third African American to serve as acting or permanent City Manager in Kansas City history.

Prior to this role, Rouse served as assistant city manager and director of general services for the City of Kansas City since 2011. Rouse started in City Hall as a municipal management trainee in 1988 and has held various positions in Kansas City government over the past three decades, including budget analyst, financial manager and administrative officer, assistant to the director and assistant to the city manager. He has also served as the City’s 311 action center director.

Additionally, Rouse serves or has served on numerous local boards, including the Mid America Assistance Coalition, Renaissance West and the Kansas City Credit Union. Rouse was named 2009 local government public administrator of the year by the Greater Kansas City ASPA Chapter.

Members of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, Rouse and his wife, Alma, have two children and reside in Southeast Kansas City. Rouse is a native of Pine Bluff, Ark., and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Public Administration Degree from Iowa State University.

Section 218(f) of the Kansas City Charter requires the Mayor to designate a “qualified person to temporarily perform the duties of the office [of City Manager].” Pursuant to the Charter, Mayor Lucas will present Rouse’s appointment for ratification by City Council via Resolution during Council legislative session this Thursday, Dec. 5.