Kim Downs
Kim Downs is the Deputy City Manager for the City of Marion, Iowa, where she leads the daily operations of a community of approximately 43,000 residents. In this role, she oversees Public Works, Engineering, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, and Economic Development, ensuring that city services run efficiently and effectively. She also spearheads regional collaboration initiatives for infrastructure and federal funding projects, reflecting her commitment to creating sustainable and thriving communities.
Kim’s career in municipal government spans nearly 26 years, beginning in the early 1980s as a social worker before transitioning into local government. She started as a part-time city clerk in a small Iowa town and progressed through positions including deputy city clerk, city clerk, and city manager over 18 years. Her extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of municipal operations, team leadership, and public service, allowing her to guide her teams with purpose and integrity.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Administration from Mount Mercy University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dubuque. She is a strong advocate for women’s leadership development and is actively involved with professional organizations such as the Iowa City Managers Association and the International City/County Management Association. Guided by a personal set of five core values, she emphasizes authenticity, service to others, and purposeful leadership in all aspects of her work.
• University of Dubuque - M.B.A.
• Iowa City Managers Association (Iowa CMA)
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
• Northeast Regional League
• Linn County Housing Trust Board
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of faith, hard work, and unwavering focus. My faith guides my decisions, my dedication drives my efforts, and maintaining focus allows me to achieve my goals consistently.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to always be authentic. This guidance has shaped my career, helping me stay true to myself while effectively leading others and making a meaningful impact in my community.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field that they are enough. It’s easy to doubt yourself, but trusting in your abilities is crucial. Also, trust your intuition—listen to what your body and heart are telling you, not just your mind. Speak up when you disagree or have a perspective to share, because your voice has value and your insights truly matter.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now include navigating the increasing focus on affordable housing and adapting to evolving legislative priorities. There is a strong need for regional collaboration to secure federal funding for infrastructure projects, and addressing the ongoing underrepresentation of women in municipal leadership remains a critical opportunity for growth and impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are central to how I make decisions and prioritize my time. Each year, I do the values cards exercise to reflect and reaffirm them, helping me clearly see what to say yes to—and what to say no to. Service is one of my most important values, which aligns closely with my work. From my early days in college in the 1980s, working in human services and social work, serving others and positively influencing their lives has always been at the core of who I am. My values act like a North Star, providing guidance and clarity in every decision I make.
Locations
City of Marion, Iowa
Hiawatha, IA 52236