The State of the City: Piqua Edition

Piqua's City Manager gives a State of the City Address

Last week, at the Fort Piqua Plaza, Piqua’s City Manager, Paul Oberdorfer, gave the community an update through this State of the City address. As expected, the addresses talked about the good things happening in the community and while the community is currently experiencing some headwinds, there is a sense that the community is on a more stable trajectory.

In his address, Oberdorfer highlighted the collaborative efforts between the city administration, staff, and community to foster growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for residents. I took some time to listen to this address that is publicly available on YouTube and this analysis will break down the key themes and initiatives discussed in the address.

Governance and Strategic Planning

Oberdorfer began by explaining the city’s governance structure, emphasizing the pivotal role of citizens, the city commission, and the city manager. The strategic planning process was a significant focus, with Oberdorfer noting that the plan he inherited was merely a list of capital projects, lacking a coherent strategy. To address this, an environmental scan and SWOT analysis (both tried and true strategic planning tools) were conducted to understand community demographics and challenges. This led to a comprehensive strategic plan developed through community and employee surveys, and work sessions with the city commission and leadership team.

The strategic plan identified four key areas: a unified community, a thriving economy, responsive services, and reliable infrastructure. These pillars guided the city’s vision and mission, promoting inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration. Oberdorfer highlighted the importance of having a clear mission statement and values (accountability, integrity, professionalism, and teamwork) to drive the city’s operations.

Unified Community

A significant challenge identified was the city’s poor communication with residents. To rectify this, the city made significant investments in public relations personnel, and invested in technology to improve communication. Oberdorfer detailed the use of various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Nextdoor) to disseminate timely information, countering misinformation and engaging the community effectively. Oh, and by the way, Piqua has no problem engaging with residents on social media.

The city also revamped its website, making it more user-friendly and accessible, which enhanced community engagement. Oberdorfer emphasized the importance of transparency and accessibility, noting improvements in customer relations management and the addition of new commissions and committees to ensure community participation.

The city’s efforts to foster a unified community included initiatives like the veteran banner program, community events, and partnerships with local organizations. Oberdorfer mentioned the new decorations downtown, made possible through community collaboration, which helped to project a welcoming image that the community is trying to acheive.

Thriving Economy

Oberdorfer highlighted the significance of the Great Miami River as a unique asset for Piqua, driving economic development. He pointed to the redevelopment of Lock Nine Park as a cornerstone project, attracting private investment and enhancing the city’s appeal. The construction of the performance pavilion and other improvements were showcased as examples of successful placemaking initiatives.

Downtown traffic flow improvements and potential redevelopment projects were discussed, emphasizing the city’s proactive approach to creating a vibrant downtown area. The Piqua Center and the redevelopment of the old Red Roof site were noted as key projects, with the latter expected to generate significant economic output and address community desires for amenities like a national brand hotel and sit-down restaurants.

Oberdorfer also highlighted the city’s efforts to attract businesses, citing collaborations with JobsOhio and the Dayton Development Coalition. These efforts resulted in hosting major companies and securing substantial investments, which are projected to bring numerous jobs to the area. Additionally, various grant programs were discussed, which have facilitated community development and supported small businesses.

Responsive Services

Oberdorfer underscored the city’s commitment to continuously improving service delivery to meet the evolving needs of residents. He discussed the adoption of a hybrid form-based code, providing flexibility for development and setting Piqua apart from neighboring communities. The implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) was another major advancement, enhancing data management and decision-making capabilities.

The city’s investment in technology extended to public-facing tools like the Smart Hub, which improved customer interactions with the utility business office. Oberdorfer also highlighted the importance of robust code enforcement and the upcoming rental inspection program aimed at ensuring safe living conditions. He cited the alarming statistic of recent house fires in rental properties without smoke detectors as a driving force behind this initiative.

The address included numerous examples of how responsive services have been enhanced, from improved street sweeping schedules and zoning maps to comprehensive GIS-based information systems that streamline city operations and communication with residents.

Reliable Infrastructure

Infrastructure improvements were a cornerstone of Oberdorfer’s address. He detailed several key projects, including the repair of the Ohio Indiana trail bridge, the construction of a new salt barn, and upgrades to the gas turbine controls. These investments are critical for maintaining and enhancing the city’s infrastructure to support current and future growth.

Oberdorfer emphasized the significance of having modern and cost-effective infrastructure, highlighting the new water treatment plant and the expansion of the water treatment facility as key assets for economic development. He also discussed ongoing projects like pavement preservation and asset management, which are essential for sustaining the city’s infrastructure.

Another notable point was the introduction of LED lighting in downtown areas, replacing the outdated high-pressure sodium lights. This not only improved the aesthetic appeal of the city but also enhanced safety and reduced energy costs.

Public Safety and Community Services

Oberdorfer’s address also covered advancements in public safety and community services. He mentioned the acquisition of a new ladder truck and the development of the Piqua Public Safety Regional Training Center. These initiatives are designed to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities and ensure that public safety personnel are well-trained and equipped.

The city’s innovative approach to staffing, such as hiring EMTs and training them up to paramedics, demonstrates a commitment to building a skilled workforce while addressing staffing challenges. Oberdorfer noted the success of this approach in maintaining a steady pipeline of qualified personnel.

The police department’s initiatives, including community engagement programs and careful management of resources, were highlighted as key factors in maintaining a safe and welcoming community. The golf course and plaza management improvements were also discussed, showcasing the city’s efforts to enhance recreational facilities and generate additional revenue.

Financial Management

Oberdorfer concluded his address by discussing the city’s financial management and fiscal responsibility. He presented trends showing that the city’s expenses have remained below revenue, indicating sound financial management. The switch to using the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) for income tax collection has significantly increased revenue, highlighting the city’s proactive approach to maximizing resources.

The finance department’s work with the Meeder Group to optimize short-term investments was another example of the city’s efforts to enhance its financial health. These investments are expected to yield substantial returns, contributing to the city’s economic stability.

Overall, Mr. Oberdorfer’s State of the City address painted a picture of a city on the move, with strategic initiatives and community-driven projects driving growth and improving the quality of life for Piqua residents. The address emphasized collaboration, transparency, and innovation as key themes, showcasing the city’s commitment to building a unified, thriving, and resilient community.

The detailed presentation of achievements and future plans reflected Oberdorfer’s leadership and the collective efforts of the city’s staff, residents, and partners. As Piqua continues to implement its strategic plan, the foundations laid over the past two years provide a strong platform for future success.

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