HUTTO, Texas (July 7, 2022) – Following a nationwide search and local public input process, the Hutto City Council has enthusiastically voted to select James Earp as the new city manager.
Mr. Earp brings to Hutto over 16 years of experience with the City of Kyle, Texas, where he is currently its assistant city manager. During his tenure with Kyle, he worked in and actively built many city departments, overseeing growth from 17,000 residents to a current population of about 60,000. In 2019, he was awarded the ASPA (American Society of Public Administration) Public Administrator of the Year award.
Mr. Earp said he is thrilled about the opportunity to serve the Hutto community through its own growth and future opportunities.
“Hutto has a rich history and great momentum — not to mention a strong community spirit,” he said. “I’m honored to join this incredible community and amazing team. Together, I look forward to building on the City’s strengths as we create the highest quality of life for years to come.”
The candidate pool included nearly 50 applicants from several states, before being narrowed to four highly qualified finalists by the City Council through a rigorous process facilitated by SGR consulting. The final candidates went on community tours followed by receptions with the Hutto community and staff, culminating in City Council interviews that were open to the public and live-streamed. Everyone was invited to submit their feedback about the candidates to City Council for consideration.
Mayor Mike Snyder said the extensive selection process ensured City Council was able to effectively represent Hutto stakeholders in this crucial choice. In the coming months, the Council will not only set an annual budget and issue construction bonds, but it will also adopt a new, long-range Comprehensive Plan.
“We knew this hiring decision was perhaps the biggest decision we could face as a Council, and it comes at a turning point for the City,” Snyder said. “We were very focused on finding a city manager who aligns with our culture and our pillars—someone who would put roots down and enable our vision to become a reality over time. Thanks to this process and all of the great input we received, we’re confident we made the right choice at the right time for Hutto.”
Snyder added that some of the factors Council found most impressive about Mr. Earp were his longevity with his last employer and his authentic demeanor.
“James has a proven track record of dedication and expertise, with significant experience in land development, financing mechanisms, mentorship and organizational growth,” Snyder said. “Not to mention, he seems to connect and collaborate well with a wide variety of people, which will be important as we take our diverse teams and community to the next level.”
Mr. Earp will follow Isaac Turner, who’s served Hutto as interim city manager since January. The City Council is truly grateful for Turner’s highly capable and dedicated service during this time of transition.
In addition to his municipal experience, Mr. Earp holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration/finance and a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Tarleton State University; a Master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas at Arlington; and a graduate certificate in environmental management from Harvard University. He is a certified public manager and is a Texas Watershed steward. He also currently serves as the director of the North Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program as well as a CPM instructor at Texas State University.
He is expected to start work at Hutto City Hall on August 3.