The Administration Department is comprised of the City Manager and the City Clerk. Legal counsel is provided by City Solicitor Michael Wagner of
Michael J. Wagner Attorney at Law, P.C.

The Department of Administration provides leadership and oversight of all City departments, services and activities. Administration also supports City Council. Coordination of financial planning, budget preparation, public information, customer service and policy development are some of the key responsibilities of the Department.

The City Clerk’s Office connects the public with local government and provides administrative support to the Mayor and City Council. The City Clerk serves as archivist for City records, Public Information Officer and Open Records Officer and responds to requests for information. The City Clerk educates and informs the public as media relations liaison for Mayor and Council, City departments and City emergency management.

The City Manager of the City of Altoona is appointed by the City Council and reports directly to the Mayor and City Council. As the City’s Chief Administrative and Operating Officer, the City Manager implements policies, programs and services. The City Manager provides professional management and executive leadership, direction, and coordination of all City Departments with a common goal of providing excellent service to the community. The City Manager collaborates with numerous City organizations and community partners and maintains positive and cooperative inter-governmental relationships.

The Codes & Inspections Department administers the Uniform Construction Code in the City of Altoona through building inspections, property maintenance inspections, and rental inspections. The department promotes code compliance to improve property conditions and community quality of life.

The Community Development Department oversees planning, zoning, land development, housing rehab, and federal grants like CDBG and HOME. It supports economic development with local partners, manages the City’s GIS database, and handles blighted property demolition.

The Finance Department provides a wide range of financial support to Altoona City Council and the City departments by administering the financial affairs of the City. The Department manages the City's revenues, expenditures, investments, purchasing, payroll, accounting, budgeting, debt and pension plans. As such, the Department provides dependable and efficient quality services in billing, collection, cash management, and other fiscal functions in accordance with legal and professional standards.

The Altoona Fire Department protects residents through fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue operations, and hazardous materials response. It also offers fire prevention and education programs, including inspections, school safety education, fire extinguisher training, smoke alarm installation, and juvenile fire intervention—ensuring both emergency and non-emergency services enhance community safety.

The Human Resources Department is the primary source within the City of Altoona’s governmental structure for employment related matters.  The goal of the Department is to attract, develop and retain a diverse, qualified workforce. The Department administers employee programs and services and is dedicated to the development and maintenance of a great work environment for all City employees.

The Information Technology Department is responsible for the administration and support for all of the City's computers, phone system, wired and wireless networks, website and systems. Currently, the Department supports over 100 users and computers.

The Altoona Police Department is a full-service police agency dedicated to improving the lives of our citizens and visitors. Our primary goals are many and diverse. They include the protection of life and property, resolution of conflicts, and providing for a feeling of security in the community.  We enforce all state and local laws and endeavor to reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime through prevention strategies.  We are responsible for the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders, as well as the preservation of peace in the City of Altoona.

The Public Works Department of the City of Altoona is dedicated to providing customer-friendly service while preserving and improving the City's infrastructure by resurfacing streets, maintaining City park facilities and improving the public right-of-way.  It consists of three interconnected divisions: Engineering, Electrical, and Highways.  Working together, these divisions manage activities spread over three hundred and sixty lane miles of road within the City limits.