The City Manager is responsible to the City Council for the effective and efficient operation of the City. Under the direction of the City Council as a whole, the City Manager carries out the City's adopted goals and objectives. The City Manager’s Office includes the City Clerk's Office, Communications, Emergency Management, Economic Development, Legislative Affairs, and the City Work Program. The City Manager’s Office is responsible for developing community-building activities that increase citizen involvement in local government.

The City Manager’s Office also works closely with Cupertino's public safety providers (Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, Santa Clara County Fire Department), and the elementary, high school and college districts.