Earnest Rouse Designated as KCMO Acting City Manager

Earnest Rouse, Kansas City’s assistant city manager and director of general services, has been designated by Mayor Quinton Lucas to serve as acting city manager until a search is completed to fill the role permanently. The city council will vote on a resolution Thursday to ratify Rouse’s appointment.

Troy Schulte, the prior city manager, announced his retirement in September after serving 10 years in that position. Next week Schulte will start working for Jackson County government, taking on the new role of county administrator. 

“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, in a press release. “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.”

Rouse was assistant city manager and director of general services since 2011. He first started working for the city in 1988 as a municipal management trainee and has worked in several departments over the years.