Episode 32: George Proakis (Watertown City Manager)
Meet George Proakis! He's the city manager for the City of Watertown. There's a lot to talk about in Watertown! We scratch the surface with:
His background and early experiences with civil engineering, public administration, and city planning from corn fields to Assembly Row.
The unique strengths of Watertown from its strong fiscal foundation to its regionally exceptional wedding venue.
The documents and frameworks that influence how he approaches his job as city manager.
The process of building a budget for the city and how the city council has chosen prioritizing new growth over raising taxes.
There's extra money this year! What projects might that money get funneled towards?
The strategy behind the Watertown Square Area Plan.
The large question of how to deal with housing and real estate development in the area.
How he addressed job vacancies and added 30 new city positions in his first 2 years.
How thinking "abnormally" sometimes can get to solutions like Vee the Goose Dog.
And more!
Reach out with any questions about Watertown with the city's 311 service. Call 311 (or 617-715-8660 from outside Watertown) to ask questions or report an issue.
Thanks to podcast promotional partner the Watertown Business Coalition, a nonprofit organization focused on connecting local businesses and strengthening our community. Check them out at https://watertownbusinesscoalition.com/.
