Reflections on City/County Management
What does city/county management mean to you?
City management to me feels like a vocation. Every day I wake up, I feel blessed knowing that I am entrusted and capable of making a positive impact in the community.
What does a successful improvement or project look like?
This one is hard to answer and stumped me a little so I will give it my best shot. I’ve managed a few projects that were completed within budget and on time yet, at the end of the day, they didn’t feel “right” for whatever reason. So I would say a successful project is one that feels right by the time you walk away and close the chapter. Being in-the-moment and mindful of “missed opportunities” before they are missed is key to understanding and maximizing any given project.
What is one improvement (operational, policy, or physical) that you are most proud of?
While I have a few I am very proud of, one worth mentioning, we created several new infrastructure programs and lumped them all together. For example, when we fix our residential streets, while we’re at it, we will also fix: adjacent sidewalks, underground infrastructure, AND we assist in cleaning up dead trees, painting of homes and demo blight as appropriate. It is more than just traditional infrastructure improvements, it is an all encompassing approach to neighborhood investment.
If you could share one piece of career related wisdom to a colleague, what would it be?
I would say, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Authenticity and sincerity are rare commodities today.
Enrico Villegas
City Manager
City of Hutchinson