Robert Bruner, Neighbor

My local government management career began in October 2001 when I became Assistant to the City Manager of Oak Park.  There I coordinated public relations with local public, private, and non-profit organizations and addressed complaints as the City’s Ombudsman.  I earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Wayne State University while working in Oak Park.

I became the Assistant City Manager of Ypsilanti in August 2004.  There I directed the City’s Human Resources and Recreation Departments as well as the City’s information technology and public information functions.  I met my wife Kelly at an Ypsilanti City Council meeting.

I became City Manager of Ferndale in February 2007.  My daughter Audrey was born shortly thereafter.  In Ferndale I worked with the community to balance unprecedented budget shortfalls and voters approved a tax increase shortly after I left.

I became Birmingham’s City Manager in February 2011.  I am just the eighth City Manager since the City was incorporated in 1933 and just the third since Bob Kenning was appointed to the position in 1965.  Since starting my new job I have made it a point to meet community members both inside and outside the City government because the people are what make each community unique.