The City Administrator acts as the municipality's chief executive officer overseeing the work of its staff and its day-to-day operations. The administration office staff provides research, analysis, and recommendations on policy and service matters to the Board of Directors. The team prepares the City's annual budget for review and approval by the Board of Directors, evaluates the effectiveness of programs and services offered by the City, participates in discussions at the Board of Directors meetings, and implements decisions that the Board of Directors approve.

While all 17 departments ultimately report to the City Administrator, the following departments have direct reports to the City Administrator and Deputy Administrators, respectively:

Departments with Direct Report to the City Administrator

1. Administration 
2. Police Department
3. Fire Department
4. City Clerk's Office
5. Water Utilities Department
6. Finance Department
7. Information Technology (IT)
8. Human Resources Office
9. City Prosecuting Attorney's Office
10. The Fort Smith Convention Center
11. Community Development Department (Housing/CBDG)

Departments Reporting Directly to the Deputy City Administrator

1. Parks & Recreation Department
2. Solid Waste Services Department
3. Streets & Traffic Control Department
4. Engineering Department
5. Transit Department
6. City Planning Department
7. Building Services Department

The City Administrator's office includes support staff, the Deputy City Administrator, Public Relations & Communications Manager, Mobility Coordinator, and support staff to the Mayor's Office.