Austin Bleess, the new city manager of Jersey Village, has been busy since taking over March 20. After spending his first few weeks on the job meeting with department heads and touring the city, Bleess said he sees great potential in the future of Jersey Village.
Bleess, who accepted the position in January, relocated to Jersey Village from Caribou, Maine, where he served as city manager for more than four years.
What was it that attracted you to accept a job with Jersey Village?
Just reading about the community online made me realize that Jersey Village would be a great place to work and live. I checked out the comprehensive plan and saw the great vision the community has moving forward. It was just one of those things where—coming out of the interview with the staff and council—the position just seemed right.
What experience do you have that you think will help you in your role?
I think my experience with economic development will serve me well. With the [Hwy.] 290 project underway, I think the Jersey Crossing transit-oriented development has some great potential. One thing I did in Caribou was work with major retailers to try to recruit them, so I’ve made some great business connections with people in various companies and really learned what those site selectors are looking for.
I also helped [strengthen] our “place-making” activities—events and those types of things. We created an event called Thursdays on Sweden, which I’m very proud of. We shut down two blocks of the road and had live music and about 60 vendors. It was a free event for the community to come out to, and they loved it. In the fourth year we were pushing 1,500 people in a community of about 8,000.
How have the first few days gone since starting the job?
It's been good. There’s been a lot to learn and a lot to get up to speed with. Over the first two weeks, I try to dedicate myself to just taking in as much knowledge and information as I can. This week is about getting to know the department heads and the city staff and learning where all the things are that we as a city take care of.
The [March 20 Jersey Village] City Council meeting was a great chance to see the council members interact with each other and to work with them a little bit. I’ll be trying to gain more knowledge on the flood study.
What are you looking forward to about living in Texas?
The weather’s been beautiful. I don’t know if I’ve ever spent this much time outside in March. It’s definitely a change. The kids love going to the parks. We’ve loved it so far and are looking forward to the future for sure.
Answers edited for length
