Ankeny Hires Brent Hinson as Assistant City Manager

Ankeny, Iowa has appointed Brent Hinson as its new assistant city manager, the city announced on April 17, 2026. Hinson, who has served as deputy city administrator in Mason City since 2021, will assume his new role in Ankeny following a competitive selection process. The appointment reflects Ankeny’s ongoing efforts to strengthen municipal leadership amid continued population growth and infrastructure development in one of Iowa’s fastest-expanding communities.

Hinson brings over a decade of experience in local government administration, having held progressively responsible positions in Iowa municipalities prior to his deputy administrator role in Mason City. In that position, he oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, including public works, finance and community development, while assisting the city administrator in strategic planning and policy implementation. His background includes work on budget optimization, intergovernmental coordination, and emergency management initiatives.

Ankeny, located just north of Des Moines, has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with its population increasing from approximately 45,000 in 2010 to over 75,000 by 2024 according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This expansion has driven demand for enhanced municipal services, updated zoning regulations, and investments in transportation, water systems, and public safety infrastructure. The city has pursued long-term planning initiatives to manage sustainable development while maintaining service quality.

The assistant city manager position in Ankeny supports the city administrator in overseeing departmental operations, preparing agendas for city council meetings, and ensuring compliance with state and local regulations. The role often involves direct supervision of key functions such as human resources, information technology, and administrative services. Hinson’s appointment comes as Ankeny continues to implement its 2023–2028 strategic plan, which prioritizes infrastructure resilience, economic development, and neighborhood vitality.

Prior to joining Mason City’s administration in 2021, Hinson held administrative roles in smaller Iowa communities, where he gained experience in municipal budgeting, grant administration, and citizen engagement processes. His career path reflects a trajectory common among Iowa local government professionals seeking advancement through progressively larger jurisdictions. City officials in both Mason City and Ankeny have noted his collaborative management style and focus on data-driven decision-making.

The hiring process for Ankeny’s assistant city manager position included input from city council members, department heads, and a citizen advisory panel. Final candidates underwent interviews assessing their understanding of municipal finance, interdepartmental coordination, and emergency preparedness. Hinson was selected based on his proven administrative record, familiarity with Iowa municipal law, and ability to integrate into Ankeny’s existing leadership team.

Ankeny’s city administrator, whose office oversees the assistant city manager role, emphasized the importance of continuity and operational expertise in municipal leadership transitions. While specific salary details for the position were not disclosed in the city’s announcement, assistant city manager roles in comparable Iowa cities typically range from $95,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience and responsibilities, according to data from the Iowa League of Cities and municipal salary surveys.

Hinson’s transition from Mason City to Ankeny involves relocating to the Des Moines metropolitan area, where he will join a growing network of public administrators managing suburban expansion challenges. His appointment adds to recent trends in Iowa municipal hiring, where cities are prioritizing candidates with experience in growth management, technology integration, and cross-jurisdictional collaboration — particularly in regions surrounding Des Moines, Ames, and Iowa City.

As Ankeny advances projects related to its comprehensive plan, including upgrades to SE Delaware Avenue and expansions of the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library, the assistant city manager will play a role in coordinating timelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. Municipal officials have indicated that interdepartmental efficiency and preparedness for future growth scenarios remain key priorities in the city’s administrative strategy.

The city of Ankeny confirmed Hinson’s start date as May 6, 2026, following a standard onboarding period. He will report directly to the city administrator and serve as a key liaison between administrative offices, elected officials, and department directors. No interim appointment was made prior to Hinson’s hiring, as the position had been vacant since March 2026 following the departure of the previous assistant city manager.

Business Record first reported the appointment on April 17, 2026, citing the city of Ankeny’s official announcement. Additional details about Hinson’s professional background were verified through municipal records from Mason City and public meeting archives where he presented on operational initiatives. No statements from Hinson were included in the city’s release, and no public comment period was held for the appointment, which followed standard internal hiring procedures for municipal leadership roles.