"Maintainers" in urban management are municipal engineers and public works directors, who must not only oversee maintenance activities like road repairs and sewer management but also ensure efficient operations and budget adherence.

At higher management level, the "urban maintainer" is responsible for long-term maintenance and operational expenditure (OPEX) of public works, pursuing the dual objectives of urban management: maintaining infrastructure and ensuring financial and organizational preparedness for long-term urban service provision.

This view of the urban maintainer role advocates for integrated and strategic approaches to public works management that go beyond technical execution to address long-term sustainability.