City Administrator
The City Administrator is appointed by the Mayor and is responsible for City operations, including supervision of all department heads (with the exception of the City Attorney). They are responsible for the activities of all offices, departments and boards; investigations and studies of the internal organization; and procedure of any office or department within the City of Duluth.
The City Administrator makes information available to the Mayor, the City Council and the public concerning the current status of the financial affairs of the City and all offices, departments, and boards receiving appropriations from the city; attends meetings of the Council and makes available such information as it may require.
The City Administrator is Matthew Staehling. His office is located in City Hall, Room 422.
Matthew Staehling has nearly 30 years of experience in local government, has previously served as a City Attorney, and recently served as the City Administrator in St. Cloud, MN. He brings experience in a regional center, and his proven ability to develop a collaborative and team-driven working style to his leadership. “His dedication to public service and broad municipal experience adds weight and strength to his advocacy for the City of Duluth organization.
Matthew began working in local government in 1996. Staehling received a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Augsburg University and later received his Juris Doctor from the Valparaiso University of Law.
Staehling is also a military veteran. He was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1998 and was assigned as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate to the 34th Infantry (Red Bull) Division. Matthew was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2003-2004 in support of Operation Joint Forge and served as the Chief of Military Justice. Following this deployment Matthew served in the Operational Law Officer and Trial Defense Counsel roles.
Matthew lives with his wife Jadi, their high school-aged son, Jacob, and their three dogs. Matthew and Jadi also have three adult children.
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