An American flag hangs between two firetrucks during the State of the City address at Las Vegas City Hall Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 | 1:17 p.m.
Mike Janssen will be the new city manager for the City of Las Vegas.
Janssen has a long history with the city, most recently serving as the executive director of infrastructure and public works. The city council voted 6-1 in favor of Janssen replacing Jorge Cervantes, who is retiring.
“I’ve had great mentors throughout my career and I’m here today solely because of those mentors who helped me along the way,” Janssen said. “I’m prepared to step up to this next level of leadership and look forward to working with each and every one of you, your staff and of course our 3,000+ city employees to continue making the city a great place to live, work, play.”
Councilman Cedric Crear was the lone vote against Janssen’s appointment, saying he had nothing against Janssen but was interested in an open search to include internal and external candidates.
Councilman Brian Knudsen said that Las Vegas was “one of the best run cities in the country,” and that he wanted an internal candidate so the selection process would go faster.
He added that he was concerned about the “Silver Tsunami,” a reference to the wave of people leaving the city, and “terrified” that they would be losing precious connections to county, state and national relationships with other groups.
“I believe (Janssen’s) work ethic, outstanding communications skills and commitment to balanced governing makes him the strong leader our city needs and our residents deserve,” Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske said. “Mike Janssen is a big-picture thinker and a problem solver. He’s adept at dealing with complex issues, and is a results-driven leader.”
She was immediately supported by Councilwoman Nancy Brune, who seconded the motion to appoint Janssen and said that his engineering background makes him a good candidate for “where the city is now” with all of the current and upcoming development projects.
But Crear and Mayor Carolyn Goodman had their doubts.
Crear continued to make his case for an open selection process, then gave a specific mention to Lisa Morris Hibbler, the chief community services officer for the city.
He said she was “the most well-rounded on (the city’s) bench” for the job and had the strong relationships that would be essential for this “key” role.
Crear also noted that Janssen had come close to accepting a job in Arizona and “was ready to leave the city of Las Vegas” until the opening for city manager was announced.
“I don’t fault him (for that), I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but I’m saying that he was literally on his way out the door (and) he’s not committed to staying,” Crear said. “I just don’t find it in the best interest of the city and the citizens of Las Vegas to accept this nomination, especially without having the opportunity to vet other candidates who are interested in this position.”
Goodman said the incoming city manager would need the prior experience of helping develop Las Vegas and crucial connections to help them navigate the city’s current priorities, such as homelessness, safety, healthcare and economic development.
Those reasons are why Goodman said her vote would have gone to Hibbler, who has been with the city the past 25 years.
“When you don’t know history, you are going to repeat it,” Goodman said. “We need (Hibbler). This homeless situation is a crisis … this is an atom bomb that’s out there and you know all the background. Mike can’t do that piece, he will have to rely on you.”
Goodman encouraged Hibbler to stay on staff and help guide Janssen when he assumes his new role, warning downtown will turn into Los Angeles’ Skid Row if either department fails in addressing the city’s homelessness.
Despite her worries, Goodman ultimately voted in favor of Janssen.
The New York-born Janssen has worked for the city of Las Vegas since 1997, entering as an engineering associate and working his way up to his role in directing infrastructure.
