FYI Memo: Year 2 Look Back for City Manager Harry Black

CINCINNATI – Harry Black took office as City Manager of the City of Cincinnati on Sept. 8, 2014. Thursday marks the two-year anniversary of him being sworn-in to office.

Over the past two years City Manager Black has been responsible for the day-to-day operations of City government in Cincinnati. His goal has been to make Cincinnati a better place to live, work and play through smart financial investments, exceptional customer service delivery and innovative decision-making.

In this role as City Manager, Mr. Black has made every effort to “over communicate” with Mayor John Cranley, members of City Council and residents of the Cincinnati about the efforts of his Administration. In the past 12 months he has submitted 630 total Council Reports and informational memos related to all facets of operations of City government.

In an informational memo sent to the Mayor and City Council on Wednesday, City Manager Black highlights what accomplishments the City of Cincinnati has made over the past 365 days. The document is broken down by the “Priority Goals” put in place by Mr. Black’s administration: Safer Streets, Innovative Government, Thriving & Healthy Neighborhoods, A Growing Economy, and Fiscal Sustainability & Strategic Reinvestment.

• READ THE FULL MEMO AND LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

“With your strong support, we are making significant progress toward making Cincinnati the best managed city in the country. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve as City Manager,” City Manager Black wrote.

“None of the achievements listed below could have been achieved without your support and direction and the buy-in and hard work of City staff at all levels. Change is not always easily accepted; however, I am continually impressed with the innovative ideas and favorable reception from our employees,” he added.

Crucial to Black’s Administration over the past two years has been the use of performance and data analytics to improve and streamline various government operations and processes. He established the City’s Office of Performance & Data Analytics during his first year in the Queen City and in the following year has directed the office to the next level.

That includes the continued use of Performance Management Agreements with department/office heads, the introduction of new Innovation Labs to improve specific aspects of service delivery, and following up and building upon the findings of the departmental CincyStat meetings.

Other accomplishments over the full spectrum of city functions:

• Implementation of the Capital Acceleration
• Providing additional officers, firefighters and resources for Police and Fire to improve safety
• Increased Community Engagement efforts
• Handing out the five $10,000 grants as part of the inaugural Engage Cincy Challenge Grant competition
• Embracing new information technology and overall tech infrastructure
• Launch of the City’s new Minority/Women Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program
• Drastically improving the City's overall Permitting Process
• Rolling out a new retail strategy that recognizes the evolving urban core and dynamic trends in the retail industry
• Supporting the growth of the Youth 2 Work program

While much has been accomplished, City Manager Black is looking forward to continue to make his mark in the year(s) to come.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Cincinnati’s City Manager the last two years. I am appreciative of the support from the Mayor and City Council enabling us to achieve success across the board,” continued City Manager Black. “As I embark on year three of my tenure, I am energized and excited about the work that lies ahead in making Cincinnati the best managed City in the country.

“With your strong support, we are making significant progress toward making Cincinnati the best managed city in the country. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve as City Manager.