We recently had a meeting with Ned Thomas, the City’s new City Manager. We discussed his background and plans for the future of Boulder City. Here is our interview:
Ned Thomas holds a Master in Urban Planning degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, acclaimed for its programs in architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, and urban design. Many of his classes were also taught at the John F Kennedy School of Government, also part of Harvard University. Upon completion of his degree, he spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar in Fukuoka, Japan and returned to the United States to work as a planning consultant in Ventura, California. His career path includes working in both the public and private sectors in several western states. He most recently served as City Manager for the City of Milpitas, California, just north of San Jose.
As a longtime resident in Southern Nevada, Ned said that he appreciates how well Boulder City has been managed over the years. He noted that Michael Mayes was instrumental in guiding the city since the departure of former city manager, Taylour Tedder, who left the position in May 2024. Ned plans to build on the city’s existing strategic plan, capital improvement program, and operating budget.
One major priority for Ned is selecting an Assistant City Manager and a Fire Chief. Several qualified candidates were recently interviewed for the open Fire Chief position, and the selection process is ongoing. This role is critical to maintaining and enhancing public safety and emergency response within the city. The Assistant City Manager is a new position that has not been advertised yet, but he expects this to be a very competitive process as well.
In his first few days on the job, Mr Thomas was able to observe the budget process as the city held a budget workshop to discuss priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. One of the most important subjects that will need to be done is negotiating the labor contracts with the various bargaining units within the city. There are cost-of-living increases that will need to be taken into account, among other issues. He observed that the pool complex is fully funded and the project is in its planning stages.
In his first few weeks on the job, Ned has been engaged in the budget process, including a special budget workship with the City Council to discuss priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. Another important matter for the new City Manager will be the ongoing labor contract negotiations with the City’s various bargaining units. Cost-of-living increases must be considered, along with other non-economic issues. He observed that the new swimming pool / recreational project is fully funded, and the project is now in its initial planning and design stages..
Other initiatives on his radar include ongoing discussions to bring back skydiving at the Municipal Airport and and reopening the Bootleg Canyon Zip Line, both popular with tourists. This would help to cement Boulder City’s position as an adventure destination for tourism. The Chamber of Commerce’s Adventure Center would be able to showcase these options as part of the city’s overall plan to market itself distinctly from other municipalities in Southern Nevada. He said the city needs to strike the right balance between tourists and residents, so economic development is crucial to defining these priorities.
Ned spoke of his desire to understand and play an active role in the Boulder City community, meeting with key community role players to discuss various subjects related to the city. Some other items he is focusing his immediate attention on include implementing the community’s strategic plan goals, enhancing quality of life, and maintaining the city’s important partnerships with Southern Nevada regional groups like the Regional Transportation Commission, Clark County Regional Flood Control District, and Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Having a voice at the table of these groups is a great benefit to the City of Boulder City.
He and his family have enjoyed living in Southern Nevada for a few decades. He spoke about the public art in Boulder City and how impactful that is for visitors and residents to know more about the city and its rich history. He spoke fondly of Bootleg Canyon’s hiking trails and the sculptures there as well. Ned and his wife, Cherlynn, have four children: Harrison (23), Whitney (21), Bretton (20) and Julianna (18). Julianna will graduate from Foothill High School in a few short weeks. They also have a Welsh Corgi named Willow. The Thomases are currently exploring neighborhoods in Boulder City for purchase or lease and will be relocating to our city within the next year.
