Inside Local Government with Tom Homan, Delaware City Manager

Talk Of The County

Talk Of The County

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During the episode, Tom Homan shares his experiences in being a part of a successful ICMA (International City/County Management Association) conference with the City of Columbus, Franklin County, and the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau. The conference emphasized excellence in planning and execution, showcasing the dedication and collaboration necessary for impactful events within local government.

Homan's 40-year membership with ICMA highlights the organization's support for local government professionals, offering learning opportunities, connections with colleagues, and ongoing professional development. He emphasizes the value of ICMA credentialing, which requires a commitment to continuing education and is highly regarded within the profession.

As the City Manager of the City of Delaware, Tom Homan discusses the evolution of Delaware, maintaining its rural roots while also becoming more diverse and interesting. His 25 years of service as a city manager in Central Ohio demonstrates his dedication to integrity, servant leadership, and community building. Homan emphasizes the importance of aligning community goals with the views of the governing bodies and shares his experiences navigating significant challenges such as the 2008 financial crisis and the impact of COVID-19.

Throughout the episode, Homan reflects on the importance of aspiring city managers seeking internships in local government to gain a deeper understanding of the profession's diverse nature and significance. He underscores the principles of servant leadership, emphasizing selfless dedication, integrity, and prioritizing the needs of the community over personal goals.

The episode also addresses the relevance of work-life balance within municipal government jobs, acknowledging the increasing importance of flexibility and support for employees' needs. Homan recognizes the essential nature of many municipal government roles that cannot be performed remotely, such as firefighting, rescuing children, and providing public services, underscoring the dedication of these essential workers.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives are highlighted as vital components of organizational culture within the City of Delaware, showcasing the community's commitment to embracing and supporting these principles. He encourages a focus on attracting and retaining diverse talent and emphasizes the time and dedication required to effect change in organizational culture.

Workplace Diversity: "I think increasingly, you talked about work life balance. You've got generations coming into the workplace today that are gonna expect this. They're gonna expect to be welcomed regardless of their situation in life."

— Tom Homan

Top Takeaways

1. In-depth planning and execution are essential for successful conferences that promote excellence in local government.

2. The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) provides valuable learning opportunities, professional connections, and ongoing development for local government professionals.

3. The ICMA credentialing for city managers reflects a commitment to continuing education and is highly valued within the profession.

4. Aspiring city managers can benefit from internships in local government to gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse and vital nature of the work.

5. The qualities of servant leadership—selfless dedication, integrity, and community prioritization—are fundamental for city managers in their role.

6. Embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in local government requires commitment, time, and a targeted plan to attract and retain diverse talent.

7. Effective collaboration with city councils and alignment of community goals with governing bodies is crucial for successful city management.

8. Adaptation to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and financial crises is essential for city managers, who must prioritize both community needs and workforce support.

9. Municipal government positions, such as those in public safety, require physical presence and cannot be done remotely.

Memorable Moments

05:11 ICMA conferences are vital for local government professionals.

09:02 Delaware County: Rural roots and diverse growth.

11:38 Balanced relationships with governing bodies for success.

14:54 Influence decision to work in local government.

19:11 Flexibility and support in the workforce are emphasized.

23:56 Discussion on international food and cultural diversity.

Tom Homan has been Delaware City Manager since 1999. As the city’s chief executive officer, Homan oversees the operations of a full-service city, which includes police, fire, a municipal airport, and a water and wastewater utility. The city workforce numbers nearly 300 and the operating budget is approximately $45 million. A graduate of both Michigan State University’s James Madison College and New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service, where he received a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Homan previously held manager positions in Connecticut and New York. He is an accredited member of the International City/County Management Association.

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