Kevin Lahner has been on the job for a little more than two weeks, a period in which he has mostly been meeting everyone and getting accustomed to his new job as Waukesha's city administrator.
'It's been great, but nothing too exciting,' Lahner said.
That will soon change.
Holding one of the highest profile, and highest paid, positions in the city, the 38-year-old is ready to tackle the city's challenges.
Lahner is ready to look at the city's financial situation — including the '$240 million conundrum' that former City Administrator Ed Henschel addressed last year — and begin the groundwork for next year's budget. And he wants to be at the forefront of the city bringing in new development opportunities.
He'll rely on his experience from his previous stops.
Lahner, who grew up in Eau Claire, has worked in large municipalities in Texas that had populations of 64,500 and 39,600, and a smaller-sized city in Wisconsin, serving as the city administrator in Burlington (population of 10,500) the last seven years.
Revitalizing downtown
When Mayor Shawn Reilly announced Lahner as Waukesha's top selection last fall, the mayor highlighted his experience in economic development, particularly downtown redevelopment.
Lahner said he will take some of the same principles that worked in Burlington and apply them to Waukesha.
He highlighted his efforts to help the city bring in a 54-room Hampton Inn to Burlington's downtown district a few years ago. Lahner said the hotel, along with a nearby three-story parking structure, was realized through public and private partnerships and with the assistance of an environmental tax increment financing district, something that was needed because the property was on contaminated land.
Lahner said the city was also able to get a $335,000 Wisconsin Department of Commerce grant to buy the properties. In the same area, Lahner said another integral part of Burlington's downtown growth was the remodeling of Veterans Terrace at Echo Park, a former Veterans Memorial building built in the 1960s.
Through grants and a public and private partnership, the space was transformed into a new multipurpose building that is attracting thousands annually for weddings, bridal shows, banquets and other events.
'It created a landmark event space,' Lahner said.
Waukesha's development
From an early glimpse, Lahner likes where Waukesha is in terms of development.
'I see a positive future,' Lahner said. 'Waukesha has tons of things going for it and there's tons of potential. The city is well-positioned from a development standpoint, but I'll work with the council and staff to look for future commercial opportunities and even more industrial and manufacturing possibilities.'
He said he's well-versed in TIFs — a financing method Waukesha uses regularly — and will advise staff to use them for development projects 'where appropriate.'
Lahner said working in a smaller community will help in his role in Waukesha.
'You learn more about the specifics and, because you don't have the amount of staff you would at a larger city, you learn all the technical aspects of running a city,' Lahner said. 'It's good to have that background.'
Managing finances
It will be especially beneficial as the city looks to manage its funds in a prudent manner.
Lahner credits Henschel and staff for 'managing the city very well' in recent years. But it is an ongoing responsibility. He said the city budget will be one of his top priorities to minimize the tax impact on residents.
'I've built a good track record to reduce the burden on taxpayers,' said Lahner, who has an annual salary of $155,000.
One part of the financial outlook will particularly challenge him, in that regard.
In the months leading up to his retirement, Henschel noted the city has many capital project needs in the coming years that exceed $240 million. Given this predicament and the fact that there is little room in the city's revenue structure to manage such debt and spending, the city has to level its annual borrowing and find ways to increase revenue, Henschel said.
Lahner knows what he is up against.
'It's an incredible challenge given the constraints the state puts on you,' Lahner said. 'I'm looking forward to getting into that and to look for solutions.'
Lahner said he has already started talking with Finance Director Richard Abbott about the city's financial health.
'I've probably given the finance director a headache,' Lahner said with a laugh. 'I enjoy the analytical part of it.'
Collaborative approach
Lahner will bring a 'collaborative' leadership approach to City Hall, something Henschel tried to apply, as well.
'I want to work with employees to bring folks together,' Lahner said.
In the meantime, Lahner will continue to learn the ins and outs of Waukesha with plans on moving closer to the city in the future.
'The character and feel of the community really stands out,' said Lahner, who added he and his young family are still living in Burlington. 'I think Waukesha is really a unique community.'
At a glance
Name: Kevin Lahner, Waukesha's new city administrator
Age: 38
Education: Communications degree, UW-Stevens Point, master's degree in public administration, University of North Texas
Hobbies: Racing mountain bikes, long-distance running and outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hunting and hiking
Family: Wife Jessica; four children: Noah and Chase, 10-year-old twins, Jax, 3, and Britton, a 6-month-old baby girl
Did you know?: Lahner used to be a newspaper reporter for the Denton Record-Chronicle and The Dallas Morning News in Texas for a few years before switching professions