BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Long-time Deputy City Administrator Todd Pelham recently announced his resignation, and has accepted the Assistant City Manager position with the city of Lenexa, Kan.
“Todd Pelham has served the City and the Blue Springs community exceptionally,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “His enthusiasm, work ethic, and passion for public administration will surely be missed and we wish him well in his future endeavors."
Todd Pelham was selected as the Assistant City Administrator in January 2006 and promoted to Deputy City Administrator of Development in June 2011. Prior to coming to Blue Springs, Mr. Pelham worked for the County Manager’s Office in Johnson County, Kansas. Prior to joining Johnson County, Kansas government, Todd worked for the Small Business Administration in their Office of Economic Research in Washington, D.C.
"Todd has had a profound impact on the City's business community," said City Administrator Eric Johnson. "When Todd was hired, I asked him to help improve the City's development processes and serve as an 'ombudsman' to the business community. He has helped us raise the bar for our entire organization. We are sincerely going to miss working with Todd and we thank him for all that he has contributed to our community.”
"Serving the City of Blue Springs for the last 8 years has been a great privilege. Blue Springs is known nationally, and more importantly by its citizens, as one of the finest places to live, work and play. This is due in no small part to the role the city government plays in partnering with so many of our talented community partners," said Pelham. "I'm proud of our shared accomplishments, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a great team of dedicated and professional public servants."
Pelham led several initiatives and projects during his tenure that will benefit the community for years come, including:
Serving as a key member of the citizen visioning effort titled, “Renew the Blue.” This group of community stakeholders represented a variety of demographics, including both citizens and businesses in Blue Springs. The stakeholders were charged with identifying what Blue Springs should look like 10, 15, and 20 years from 2006.
Worked to develop the City’s Downtown Master Plan. The plan was adopted by the Blue Springs City Council in February of 2007. To date various steps of the Downtown Master Plan have been implemented, including the Downtown Development Code. The Downtown Alive! Group used the City’s Downtown Master Plan to help secure a service-based grant from the Missouri Main Street Connection.
Worked to develop the “Sewer Improvements/Street Improvements” no tax increase bond initiative approved by Blue Springs voters in 2008. The passage of the two bond issues was a significant milestone for Blue Springs and allowed for the expansion and rehabilitation of Woods Chapel Road.
Worked to develop the Public Safety Sales Tax Initiative approved by the Blue Springs voters in 2011. The initiative allowed the City to address the critical needs in the areas of communication personnel and allowed for the expansion and renovation the existing Howard L. Brown Public Safety Building.
Improving the City’s Development Process. Todd served as City liaison to the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce & Blue Springs EDC board of directors. These appointments have strengthened the City’s presence in the Blue Springs business community. In the last two years, with input from developers and local businesses, the City has improved and simplified its development process facilitating an economic environment in which businesses can grow and prosper.
Mr. Pelham’s last day with Blue Springs will be March 7 and he starts his new position in Lenexa on March 10.
“I will personally miss working with Todd and wish him success as he embarks on this new opportunity,” said City Administrator Eric Johnson. “As with any vacancy, it creates the opportunity to closely evaluate the requirements of the position, duties, responsibilities, and to examine the changing needs of our community. We have a solid management team and I will develop an appropriate action plan for our organization moving forward.”
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