When most people hear “Municipal Clerk,” their first thought is often of meeting minutes, agendas, and perhaps election coordination. While those are certainly essential parts of the job, the reality is that the role of the Municipal Clerk has grown into something far deeper—and far more strategic—than many realize. Today’s Clerks are not just administrative professionals. They are leaders, facilitators, coaches, and change navigators. They are the steady hands guiding our councils through complex political terrain, the trusted advisors supporting transparency and public trust, and the connective tissue linking policy to practice. From Record Keeper to Relationship Builder Municipal Clerks have always been the historians of local government—keepers of records, bylaws, and resolutions. But in today’s fast-moving and often polarized environment, they are also tasked with building and maintaining strong relationships across departments, councils, and communities. They mediate when tensions rise, they interpret policy with a steady hand, and they foster environments where governance can thrive. The Quiet Power of Political Acuity While they may not be politicians, Clerks often sit at the center of municipal politics. They must balance neutrality with insight, offering guidance rooted in legislation while also reading the room and understanding the subtleties of council dynamics. This kind of political acuity —the ability to sense, interpret, and respond to political currents without becoming swept away by them—is now a cornerstone skill for Clerks. Leading Through Change Whether it’s adapting to legislative amendments, modernizing public engagement tools, or navigating community expectations, change is constant . Clerks are increasingly called upon to lead or support transformational initiatives, often without formal authority. Our ability to build consensus, communicate clearly, and champion inclusive processes makes us indispensable change agents in local government. Supporting the People Behind the Positions Council onboarding, staff mentoring, and interdepartmental coaching are rising responsibilities in their portfolios. Investing in people has become as important as managing processes. When they support council members to understand their roles or guide junior staff through complex governance procedures, they’re shaping the future of their municipality. Final Thoughts: A Role That Matters More Than Ever At Clerks on Call , we see firsthand the evolution happening in our profession. We believe that the modern Clerk is not only capable of adapting to this change—but is uniquely positioned to lead it. So let’s continue to share knowledge, build each other up, and redefine what it means to serve as a Municipal Clerk in the 21st century. Our work may be behind the scenes, but its impact is front and center. Let’s keep moving forward—together.

Midland Council and Senior Leadership Team  take action to Master their Meetings!