City Manager’s Desk

The hidden heroes behind many of the City’s successes are the excellent city staff who, through their support and dedication, move city projects forward. In my more than seven years with Hudson, it has been an honor to work with our employees and see how we have given to one another. I value the friendships and our accomplishments. Here are just a few examples.

At council’s direction, staff began our journey with economic development as a top priority. Off we went on a journey to become known as a welcoming community open for business. This call was embraced by large and small businesses alike, and the income tax revenue growth exceeded expectations. 

Council asked staff to build a business plan and launch our fiber optic internet option for Hudson businesses that were suffering with slow speeds and the lack of dependable internet. Now, with the tremendous efforts of staff, the majority of our businesses are very happy Velocity Broadband customers.

Over the years, we overcame state-imposed challenges to retain our Hudson dispatch center. Rather than losing that local asset, the public safety departments transformed our dispatch center into a regional asset serving several other communities while maintaining its local flavor.

As tax revenue grew, council directed staff to increase the road improvement program and, more recently, to increase our trail and sidewalk installations. Seven years ago, we projected the sidewalk program would take more than 30 years to complete, and now we are targeting completion in five years.

When COVID hit, council wanted to help our local businesses. Staff proposed creating a DORA district including outdoor dining as an option. Council approved, and staff went to work to make this a reality. The effort provided an opportunity to help the local businesses, as well as opportunities for residents to enjoy the downtown safely during the pandemic.

The pandemic also required staff to find new ways to provide services to our citizens. Staff found new technologies to push more and more processes online to make interactions with citizens easier and more efficient.

There are so many more examples of staff successes over the years, but with limited space in this column, let me end by saying thank you to all our dedicated city staff. Your service, teamwork, and commitment to the Hudson community is exemplary, and I enjoy working with each and every one of you. ∞