Carbondale’s new town manager outlines outreach, downtown support and civic coordination
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Summary
At a Latino advisory board meeting, the town’s new manager introduced themself, promised outreach to boards and residents, and flagged priorities including the aquatic center opening and downtown business support; the manager urged greater board-to-board coordination and offered to host translated briefings to boost participation.
The new town manager, who said they joined the Carbondale team in August, introduced themself to the Latino advisory board and outlined early priorities for the year.
“I got the opportunity to join the Carbondale team back in August as a town manager,” the manager said, thanking board members for stepping up to serve and noting plans for community outreach, department visits and cross-board coordination. The manager highlighted the planned opening of the municipal aquatic center and said downtown business vitality — including recent turnover that has affected restaurants — was a focus.
The manager encouraged advisory board members to attend meetings of other town boards and commissions to build shared understanding. They said staff would work to bring departmental presentations to the advisory board so members better understand how different departments operate. The manager also supported using a WhatsApp channel and translated town briefings — including a suggestion to coordinate with the mayor — to increase participation from Spanish-speaking residents.
Board members asked how the manager’s role relates to trustees’ authority. The manager clarified that staff implement goals and present recommendations to the board of trustees and the mayor, and that the trustees are the formal decision-makers on policy.
Several attendees raised local concerns they wanted staff to follow up on, from parking and signage to volunteer and youth engagement. Staff encouraged members to attend trustee meetings when they are particularly interested in an issue and noted upcoming opportunities for public input in the first quarter.
The meeting closed this topic with an invitation for further conversation and an offer from staff to schedule a public briefing with interpretation to explain the manager’s role and decision-making processes to residents.
