New Morris City Manager Zoe Johnson outlines outreach plans, priorities

Zoe Johnson, the city’s new city manager, introduced herself to the Morris City Council and described early priorities in her first public update. "My name is Zoe Johnson," she said, adding that she is originally from Ada, Minnesota and is nine days on the job. "I'm just very grateful at this opportunity to be Morris' city manager."

Johnson told the council she has spent the first weeks on onboarding and attending board meetings to better understand ongoing projects. She said she has joined several local meetings, including the Prairie Harvest Fest board and a Riverview open house, to learn more about a planned West River Dairy expansion and other issues.

As one of her first outreach measures, Johnson proposed setting up occasional "satellite city halls" outside normal hours so residents can meet city staff offsite, saying the goal is to "meet people where they're at" and make it easier for those who cannot come into city hall during business hours to talk with staff. She said these pop-up opportunities could include a table at the grocery store or presence at local events.

Johnson also flagged early work on the city's street improvement project and said staff will coordinate with engineering and public works before considering scope expansions. She closed by thanking outgoing staff who have helped speed her transition and by asking residents to reach out with questions or for appointments if they want to meet in person.