Following a nationwide search and local public input process, the Hutto City Council said in a statement that it has enthusiastically voted to select James Earp as the new city manager.
Earp said he is thrilled about the opportunity to serve the Hutto community through its own growth and future opportunities.
“Hutto has a rich history and great momentum, not to mention a strong community spirit,” said Earp. “I’m honored to join this incredible community and amazing team. Together, I look forward to building on the city’s strengths as we create the highest quality of life for years to come.”
The city manager’s office supervises the city of Hutto and its employees. Interim City Manager Issac Turner, a former Taylor city manager, has held the position since January and will continue until Earp starts his tenure Aug. 3.
“The City Council is truly grateful for Turner’s highly capable and dedicated service during this time of transition,” said city staff in a press release.
The candidate pool included nearly 50 applicants from several states before being narrowed to four finalists by the City Council through a rigorous process facilitated by SGR consulting firm. The final candidates went on community tours, followed by receptions with the Hutto community and staff, culminating in City Council interviews that were open to the public and livestreamed. Everyone was invited to submit their feedback about the candidates to City Council for consideration.
Mayor Mike Snyder said the extensive selection process ensured City Council was able to effectively represent Hutto stakeholders in this crucial choice. In the coming months, the Council will set an annual budget, issue construction bonds and adopt a new, long-range Comprehensive Plan.
“We knew this hiring decision was perhaps the biggest decision we could face as a council, and it comes at a turning point for the city,” said Snyder. “We were very focused on finding a city manager who aligns with our culture and our pillars, someone who would put roots down and enable our vision to become a reality over time. Thanks to this process and all of the great input we received, we’re confident we made the right choice at the right time for Hutto.”
Earp brings to Hutto over 16 years of experience from Kyle, where he is its assistant city manager. During his tenure with Kyle, he worked in and reportedly actively built many city departments, overseeing growth from 17,000 residents to a current population of about 60,000. In 2019, he was awarded the ASPA (American Society of Public Administration) Public Administrator of the Year award.
Snyder added that some of the factors council found most impressive about Earp were his longevity with his last employer and his authentic demeanor.
“James has a proven track record of dedication and expertise, with significant experience in land development, financing mechanisms, mentorship and organizational growth,” said Snyder. “Not to mention, he seems to connect and collaborate well with a wide variety of people, which will be important as we take our diverse teams and community to the next level.”
Earp holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration/ finance and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tarleton State University; a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas at Arlington; and a graduate certificate in environmental management from Harvard University. He is a certified public manager and is a Texas Watershed steward. He serves as the director of the North Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program as well as a CPM instructor at Texas State University.
