James Freed is the city manager and chief administrative officer at the City of Port Huron. He has over a decade of leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. Freed holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) and an MBA from Northwood University DeVos Graduate School. He has demonstrated expertise in driving economic growth, strengthening communities and leading effective government operations.
In an interview with Govt Business Review, Freed shared insights on his career trajectory, hands-on approach to leadership and long-term government strategy.
Embracing Strategic Leadership in Economic Turmoil
I’ve served as a city manager for 18 years, beginning in Lakeview and Stanton communities in Michigan. I concurrently managed both cities under a shared services agreement. That experience taught me how to rein in government costs, streamline operations and adopt emerging technologies.
In 2014, I brought those lessons to Port Huron. At the time, the city was facing severe financial distress, hemorrhaging millions annually with deficits in both the general fund and utilities.
We ensure a stable and predictable operating environment for companies and communities. We built a state government and a reliable, consistent public service model that delivers quality
We took a citywide approach to reducing the government’s cost burden. After three consecutive bond rating downgrades, we implemented targeted efficiency measures across departments, adopted zero-based budgeting and educated the community on our challenges.
I have conducted dozens of meetings, at town halls and people’s residences, to discuss the challenges we faced and the solutions ahead. In 2017, voters approved a three-million-dollar operating increase to support the police force, fire services and parks. Community buy-in was instrumental in stabilizing city finances and restoring civic confidence.
Simple Governance for Extraordinary Community Outcomes
We ensure a stable and predictable operating environment for companies and communities. We built a state government and a reliable, consistent public service model that delivers quality.
It allowed us to recruit developers confidently. We showed them who we are and demonstrated the value of investing in our community. As a result, we created 3,750 new jobs and attracted over USD 850 million in investments.
Port Huron has achieved historic lows in unemployment. But the achievement I’m most proud of is that over the past eight years, we’ve consistently lowered poverty rates, even outpacing the national average.
Team-Based Governance for Lasting Impact
I cultivated a high-performing leadership team composed of department heads who are among the best in their respective fields. Our police chief, fire chief, DPW director and city clerk bring exceptional expertise to the table.
We operate as a unified team, making decisions that serve our community. I value their insight and rely on their judgment to drive operational excellence.
Maintaining Strong Collaboration with Federal Partners
I work closely with Homeland Security and Border Patrol to coordinate public safety and services at the international bridge. From a security standpoint, we maintain strong collaboration with our federal partners to advance the city’s global positioning.
On the economic front, Port Huron facilitates over USD 400 million in annual trade with Canada. I regularly meet with the mayor and city manager. Many healthcare workers cross the border daily to staff the hospitals.
Word of Advice for Peers
If you are honest and straightforward, your citizens will be right behind you. We told folks the truth, imparted honesty and transparency and the citizens understood. Citizens can understand complex issues if you take the time to explain them. Taking time to explain the challenges that you face makes a difference.
