Jersey City Director of Finance John Metro will serve as the city’s acting business administrator as current Business Administrator Brian Platt leaves the position to become city manager of Kansas City, Missouri.
“After a national search for the best/brightest city manager a city could find, Kansas City has landed on recruiting away our Jersey City Business Administrator to be their city manager,” tweeted Mayor Steven Fulop. “I’m very happy for Brian Platt being he has been a key part of my team but sad to see him go … Kansas City and Mayor Lucas did well here in selecting Brian. We have done so much in Jersey City, and it is a compliment to Brian and Jersey City that the work is being recognized nationally.”
Platt has worked for the city for the past seven years serving as the city’s chief innovation officer from 2013 to 2018 when he was then promoted to business administrator.
Kudos and thanks
Members of the Jersey City Council wished Platt well and thanked him for his service on Nov. 12 during his last Jersey City Council meeting before he officially leaves the city’s employ after Thanksgiving.
“Brian thank you so much for all your hard work,” said Councilwoman Denise Ridley. “This position is not a regular 9 to 5 and you understood that and worked whenever you were called … it takes a lot of diligence, and it means you love the job. I know where you are going they are inheriting a great business administrator.”
Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey admired Platt’s passion and dedication stating that he “brought a lot to the table” and that “ we will see the legacy of your work for quite some time.”
“You did a phenomenal job, I think in particular on transportation policy working with your team,” said Councilman James Solomon. “You moved this city in an extraordinary direction.”
He noted Platt’s skill at consensus-building, adding that every issue he brought before the council he listened, gained feedback, and tried to build a consensus to pass good policy.
Council President Joyce Watterman said she was sorry to see Platt go.
“Kansas City is really getting a jewel,” Watterman said. “I just wish we could’ve matched them with what they offer you because I think you’re very valuable. I know you are going to do great things in Kansas City … I think highly of you, and I believe I will hear more great things about you.”
“It’s been a phenomenal experience being able to serve you all, the administration, and to serve the people of Jersey City,” Plattsaid. “We’ve done so many transformative projects from one homeowner’s house, one block in the city, all the way up to citywide initiatives and beyond into things that are truly on the national and international level of unique initiatives … We really put this place on the map, and we have taken so many forward steps.”
Platt thanked council fmembers for their words, saying, “it’s been my honor and a pleasure.”
Metro will take the role Platt leaves behind beginning on Nov. 20, becoming the city’s acting business administrator for the next 90 days.
Metro served as a fiscal analyst for the city in 2013 before he was promoted in 2015 to budget director.
In January he was promoted again becoming the city’s director of finance.
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