Kent's city manager is the administrative chief operating officer who oversees all of the city's department managers. Kent voters amended the city's charter in 1975 to adopt the city manager form of government and abandon the strong mayor form of government common in many cities.

The city manager's office coordinates a number of duties, including managing the city's online Citizen Center. The small lobby for the city manager's office also provides access to the city law, human resources and economic development departments, which are all accessible by phone through the same central number.

More than 30 parking spaces are available in the city hall complex for all the adjacent offices.