Special to 1808Delaware
Delaware City Manager Tom Homan, who has served as the city’s chief executive since 1999, has announced his intention to retire in July of 2024.
Homan’s retirement will end a 25-year tenure as Delaware’s longest serving city manager.
“It has been my honor and privilege to serve as City Manager,” Homan said. “Delaware is a wonderful community with a strong sense of place, a rich history and citizens who take pride in living and working here. I am proud of the work our team has accomplished in partnership with our City Council, residents, businesses and community partners.”
Homan has worked with four Mayors, 24 Council members and numerous department leaders. As manager, he oversees a $70 million operating budget and approximately 400 employees responsible for the delivery of all City services, including development, human resources, public works, finance, public safety, water utilities and technology.
“I am very appreciative of the City staff for their diligence and dedication in the work they do every day to maintain and improve the quality of life for our community. I am also grateful to the many City Council members I have served over the years, for their support, leadership, and commitment to our city,” he said.
Homan’s quarter-century in Delaware is marked by transformational change, including revitalization of the historic downtown, new neighborhood development, numerous economic development initiatives, modernization of water treatment and sanitary sewer plants and construction of the Delaware Community Center/YMCA.
Delaware’s population, at almost 45,000, has increased more than 80-percent since Homan arrived at City Hall in February 1999. Along with the challenges of unprecedented growth, he has seen Delaware through a global pandemic and economic downturns. His financial stewardship has allowed the city to maintain core services, fiscally sound budgets, and high bond ratings.
“Tom has helped lead our City through many complex issues over the years while maintaining exceptional City services, ensuring our citizens enjoy a high quality of life now and in the future,” Mayor Carolyn Kay Riggle said.
Homan, currently Central Ohio’s longest-serving manager, also built strategic relationships with community partners and placed an emphasis on community engagement. Under his leadership, the City has received many regional and national awards for its quality of services. Delaware is a two-time Ohio Magazine Best Hometown, a Money Magazine Top 50 Best Place to Live in America and boasts a national-honored downtown recognized by the American Planning Association.
“He is a highly respected municipal leader and has built collaborative partnerships in our region that have greatly benefited our City and will leave a lasting legacy,” Riggle said. “We wish Tom the best in his well-earned retirement. He will be dearly missed.”
Homan chose to announce his retirement a year in advance to allow time for a smooth transition of leadership. He will continue to oversee the operation of the City, as directed by City Council, through July 2024.
City Council later this year or early in 2024 will begin a nationwide search and selection of the city’s next manager.
