Culture Change at the City of Tucson

As Michael Ortega enters his fourth year as manager of the City of Tucson, he has gained valuable insight on how the $1.6 billion organization can best lead the Old Pueblo as a vibrant city of the future. Mr. Ortega challenges the 4,500 members of his staff to not only deliver excellent services, but to realize that they are uniquely positioned to be drivers of innovation and economic development no matter what capacity they serve the community. Most recently, the city gathered a group of nearly 100 directors, deputy directors, and administrators to create a strategic action plan that brings the city’s culture map and general plan to life through priority projects and cross-departmental teamwork. As he enters the new fiscal year, Mr. Ortega looks forward to continuing culture change across the organization through strategic planning, revamping the budget process, branding, continued partnering with the private sector, and implementing data-driven policies. Mr. Ortega inspires his staff to be leaders who translate the bold vision of the community into the reality of a thriving Tucson.

 

Michael Ortega is the City Manager of Tucson, overseeing its 4,700 employees and $1.4 billion annual budget. Before joining the City of Tucson in 2015, Ortega served as Cochise County Administrator and Douglas City Manager.

 

Ortega graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and later earned a Master of Business Administration from the UA. He also completed a certificate at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government for Senior Executives in State and Local Government and is an active member of the Arizona City/County Management Association.