Darren Gore, the newly appointed City Manager of Murfreesboro, recently appeared on the city’s official podcast, “The Insider,” to discuss his management approach and provide updates on various city projects. You can listen to “The Insider” on Podbean or watch it on YouTube.
Gore, a native of Smyrna, Tennessee, and a licensed professional engineer, was appointed to the position on May 10, 2024, and officially began his role on July 2, 2024. He has been with the City since 2005, previously serving as the Director of Murfreesboro Water Resources from 2012 to 2024. Gore holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
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In his initial weeks as City Manager, Gore has focused on engaging with the community and city staff, emphasizing the importance of being an active listener and showing care for people’s aspirations and well-being. He stated, “Demonstrating that you care for people usually translates into time being spent with people.”
During the podcast, Gore highlighted several key projects and issues:
1. **Public Safety Pay Adjustments**: Addressing salary adjustments for firefighters, paramedics, and police officers became an immediate priority. The City Council adopted these adjustments on July 25, 2024, following surveys that indicated the need for better compensation to retain employees.
2. **Economic Development Challenges**: The downtown mixed-use redevelopment project along Broad Street, known as Keystone, has faced financing challenges for the hotel component. The City is working to amend agreements to facilitate progress.
3. **Town Creek Urban Park**: Demolition has begun to convert the underground Town Creek into a daylighted urban park. The project, including a pedestrian bridge over Broad Street, aims to enhance connectivity between downtown and the Greenway system.
4. **Veterans Park**: Planning is underway for a new community park on the city’s west side, with features such as trails, a playground, and event space. The City aims to have the project bid out before the end of 2024.
5. **Strategic Pay Planning**: Gore emphasized the need for a structured pay plan to stay competitive with surrounding communities and ensure the City can afford necessary adjustments.
6. **Infrastructure Improvements**: The Burnt Knob/Manson Pike intersection will be widened to accommodate increased traffic due to a new elementary school opening in 2025. Additionally, the City is investing in road and bridge projects, many in coordination with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
7. **Space Needs**: The City has purchased two buildings to renovate for cost savings, aiming to meet future space requirements for employees and maintain service levels.
Gore also mentioned the importance of transparency and strategic planning in his management philosophy. He aims to be proactive rather than reactive, ensuring the City is prepared for future challenges.
Former City Manager Craig Tindall transitioned to a new role as Special Counsel on July 2, 2024, focusing on the Community Investment Trust, Solid Waste Authority, Sports Authority, and Murfreesboro Municipal Airport.
You can access the latest edition of “The Insider” on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Amazon Music/Audible. For more City news, visit www.Murfreesborotn.gov.
Source: Read Original Release
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