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.
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.