Kansas City Here I Come

Mayor Steven Fulop tonight confirmed that Jersey City Business Administrator Brian Platt is headed to Kansas City, Missouri, to assume the job of city manager.  On Oct. 5, Platt interviewed as one of four finalists for the job.

Yesterday, Jersey City Times announced Platt’s departure relying on sources at City Hall. The story was taken down pending further confirmation.

The story caused consternation among members of Kansas City’s city council, whose members had not signed off on an offer to Platt. Councilwoman Heather Hall told Jersey City Times that at least four members were on the fence regarding Platt after the unexpected announcement.

Tonight the Kansas City Star is reporting that Mayor Quinton Lucas will recommend Platt to the city council. According to the Star, Quinton said that a majority of the council had told him Platt was their first choice — or tied for their first choice — among the four finalists for the job. Quinton denied having offered Platt the job, according to the paper.

Platt joined the Fulop administration in 2013. He became the city’s first chief innovation officer and established the Jersey City Office of Innovation in 2015. In 2018, he became Jersey City business administrator, city manager and chief operating officer.