What kinds of cities does Upstart work with?

Upstart primarily serves small and growing Texas communities — typically those with limited staff capacity, tight budgets, or emerging administrative needs. If your city is early in its growth curve or wants to add professional management without the cost of a full-time manager, Upstart is designed for you.

How does the contract administration model work?

Upstart assigns an experienced city administrator to work part-time with your community. They handle day-to-day operations, assist with budgeting, manage projects, coordinate with outside agencies, and provide professional support to elected officials. You receive high-quality management at a sustainable cost.

What is the direct placement program?

For cities ready to hire full-time staff, Upstart identifies promising early-career public administrators and helps you bring them on board. These professionals are paired with ongoing mentorship from an experienced Upstart manager, giving your city the benefits of both energy and expertise.

How is Upstart different?

Most consulting firms provide reports, recommendations, and one-time deliverables. Upstart provides long-term partnership — hands-on administrative support, ongoing guidance, and real operational capacity. We don’t leave cities to implement plans alone; we help carry the workload.

What does Upstart cost?

Upstart’s model is intentionally affordable. Because we combine part-time expertise with guided early-career talent, our services are typically far lower than the cost of hiring a full-time city manager or contracting multiple consultants. Pricing varies by service and community needs, and we provide clear, upfront estimates.

On-site or remote?

Both. Upstart administrators attend key meetings (virtually or in person), maintain communication throughout the week, and handle administrative tasks efficiently whether on-site or remote. We tailor the arrangement to your city’s size, bandwidth, and expectations.

What tasks can Upstart handle?

Upstart can support or manage the vast majority of administrative tasks, including:

• budgeting and financial planning

• water/wastewater coordination

• ordinance development

• capital project oversight

• personnel and HR processes

• procurement and contracting

• agenda preparation and meeting support

• regional coordination and strategic planning

• grant support and compliance

Does Upstart replace full-time managers?

For some small cities, yes — a part-time administrator provides everything they need. For others, Upstart serves as a bridge: helping the city grow to a point where hiring a full-time professional becomes feasible. For cities hiring a full-time administrator, Upstart provides mentorship and oversight to ensure success.

How long do cities work with Upstart?

Most of our client relationships are designed to be long-term. Some cities hire us during a transition, while others keep us throughout their growth phase. Upstart adapts as the city evolves — providing stability and continuity even as local leadership or circumstances change.

How do we get started?

It’s simple: schedule an introductory conversation. We’ll learn about your community’s needs, discuss your goals, and help you decide which service model makes the most sense. There’s no commitment — just clarity.