Friday, March 29, 2024

From Houston Chronicle: All the major leadership changes made by Houston Mayor Whitmire as he shakes up City Hall

For our look at the executive branch on the local level. Strong mayors can select the heads of city departments.

Relevant term: Strong Mayor.

See also: Houston City Departments.

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Houston Mayor John Whitmire has begun carrying out a series of leadership changes across city departments in a step toward delivering his campaign pledge to shake up key municipal operations.

Part of Whitmire's campaign last year focused on criticizing what he viewed as ineffective top-level leadership during former Mayor Sylvester Turner's administration. He promised on several occasions to appoint new officials to oversee critical operations such as the city's housing programs and permitting center.

Within the first month of his term, Whitmire has appointed new heads for the Finance Department, Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Neighborhoods. The ongoing personnel revamp has led to the departure of several long standing senior officials, some sparking public outcry.

Whitmire's election marked the first time in eight years that the city's top office changed hands. Here are the major personnel announcements made by the mayor or departing city officials.