Boyer's Interim City Manager Position Made Permanent

After a national search, the Farmington Hills City Council has named Dave Boyer as the new city manager. Boyer has been performing the job in an interim role since longtime city manager Steve Brock retired in July.

Boyer was among four finalists for the job, but his selection wasn’t unanimous, Hometownlife.com reports.

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Councilman Michael Bridges cast the lone dissenting against Boyer. He favored another internal candidate, Michael Lasley, the city’s director of central services, and declined to change his vote under a motion introduced by Councilman Randy Bruce, who said unanimous approval would be a “classy” move demonstrating to Boyer that the council “has his back.”

“My position is firm, I’ve made my analysis, and made my decision,” Bridges said in response. “I’m a principled man. I want (Boyer) to succeed, but I believe I’m entitled to my opinion.”

Boyer began his employment with the city 14 years ago as its director of special services. In 2012, he was named assistant city manager and assumed the interim position this summer.

The city manager oversees all city operations, including 10 departments, which employ 340 full-time workers. Additionally, the city manager serves as a liaison to various citizen and business groups, and local, regional, state and national officials.

During interviews, he told officials a personal strength is his ability to work collaboratively with constituents and other interests to resolve complex challenges and concerns.

Among the projects he has spearheaded during his tenure with the city are the Farmington Hills Golf Club, Heritage Park Amphitheater, Longacre House, Nature Center, Riley Skate Park, William Grace Dog Park, Founders Sports Park Fishing Pier, the Costick Center, and athletic fields.

Before coming to Farmington Hills, Boyer was deputy director of parks and recreation for the city of Southfield for 13 years.

He is involved in the Michigan Local Government Management Association, International City/County Management Association, Oakland City/County Managers Association, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Friends of the Park, and is also a board member of the Farmington – Farmington Hills Optimist Club.

He’s also involved in the South Oakland County Mayors Association, the Michigan Municipal League and National League of Cities.

» Photo courtesy of the city of Farmington Hills