City Manager Greg Porter announced today his retirement from the City of Cedar Hill after more than three decades of service to the community.
“For more than 37 years, Cedar Hill and those who live and serve in it have been my life, my inspiration, and my pride and joy,” Porter said. “The growth and maturing of this city have been intertwined with my own and I sit today as proud of and excited for its bright future as i have ever been. I am so grateful and proud of the commitment and leadership of the mayors and city council members I have worked with and of the dedicated men and women of this organization.”
Greg Porter was appointed city manager on January 1, 2015, and has served his entire career with the City of Cedar Hill. He started as a part-time intern in 1987 and has since served in various roles throughout the City, including in planning, parks and recreation, human resources, economic development, public safety, animal control, emergency management, and public works.
“I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Porter and his family for their dedicated service for the last 37 years,” said Mayor Stephen Mason. “He has left a lasting mark on Cedar Hill through his many professional achievements and his heart for the community. I am proud to have served alongside him as a mayor and as a friend.”
As both assistant city manager and city manager, Porter has served in a leadership role to bring major capital improvements and facilities to fruition for the community, most notably: the Cedar Hill Government Center, Alan E. Sims Recreation Center, Traphene Hickman Library, the Lagoon at Virginia Weaver Park, and countless park, trail, and street improvements.
Cedar Hill emerged as a regional leader in partnership and collaboration during Porter’s tenure. Cedar Hill has worked with neighboring cities in the Best Southwest region to deliver innovative services and facilities for residents, including: the Tri-City Animal Shelter, regional public safety dispatch, regional jail, mental health services, fire training, procurement outreach, and COVID response efforts. The Cedar Hill Government Center was also born out of collaboration and partnership, housing both the City of Cedar Hill and Cedar Hill ISD administrative offices.
Porter has played a central role in Cedar Hill’s economic development, supporting projects such as Hillside Village Shopping Center, Hillwood’s High Point 67 industrial campus, Pratt Regional Manufacturing and Innovation Center, the Cedar Hill Business Park, and many other residential and retail developments that Cedar Hill residents enjoy today.
Under Porter’s leadership, the City has maintained a strong fiscal position, receiving recognition each year for budgeting and financial reporting excellence. In 2023, the City’s bond rating was upgraded to Aa1, a reflection of the leadership team’s dedication to financial stewardship.
Porter’s leadership style reflects a deep appreciation for teamwork, meaningful relationships, and professional development. In his decades of public service, he has helped develop countless leaders in the City organization and the Cedar Hill community. In 2023, he received the prestigious ICMA Award for Career Development from the International City/County Management Association for his leadership and contributions to the career development of new talent in local government management.
Porter will step down from his role on July 31. The City Council has authorized the mayor to negotiate a contract with his successor, Deputy City Manager Melissa Valadez-Cummings.