Chief officers often neglect the political strategies essential for effective leadership due to overwhelming daily tasks or a lack of awareness about the importance of city hall relationships. However, cultivating strong partnerships with local officials is crucial for the success of their agencies and the communities they serve. As the public face of their organizations, chief officers must engage with both formal and informal political structures. These interactions are vital for gaining support from internal and external stakeholders. This interactive presentation will examine how politics affects these relationships and explore effective strategies for navigating local politics.