Small-Town Leadership, Big Impact: How Saginaw's City Manager Builds Community
- Catherine Huckaby
- Apr 10, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Gabe Reaume was not supposed to be a city manager. Coming from a family with generations of farmers, he broke tradition to forge his own path while holding onto his rural roots, which instilled in him the values of hard work, responsibility, and community. He reflects:
"I am grateful for my upbringing. It shaped the way I approach leadership and public service."
Initially drawn to teaching, a single classroom observation changed his trajectory. "After observing a second-grade classroom, I realized it wasn't for me," he recalls with a smile of self-awareness.
Enter his neighbor, a dairy farmer and local elected official whose casual conversation would become a turning point. During what seemed like an ordinary neighborhood chat, his neighbor began describing local government work.
"He talked about city management as this incredible blend of problem-solving, community building, and practical leadership. It wasn't just about managing budgets or implementing policies. It was about understanding people, anticipating community needs, and creating tangible improvements in people's daily lives."
This conversation challenged his understanding of public service. Inspired, he began researching public administration programs. The University of North Texas (UNT) stood out, offering a specialized curriculum focused specifically on city management. Here, he found professors who were not just academics, but practitioners who understood the nuanced art of local governance. They provided an experience that has shaped his entire professional philosophy.
Interning in the City of Denton's budget office while finishing school gave him the practical experience that helped launch a career that would take him on a tour of cities throughout Texas, from Sugar Land to Denison and finally to Saginaw, where he now hopes to put down permanent roots.
"I tell people I hope to be 'one and done' in city management here," he says, though he acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the profession. With a family deeply integrated into the community, four children ranging from elementary school to high school, Saginaw has become more than a workplace for him: it is home.
Championing Growth and Stability in Saginaw
Since becoming City Manager of Saginaw in 2018, he has tackled significant developments and ensured sustainable growth while preserving the city’s close-knit charm. Under his leadership, the city has made infrastructure improvements, facilitated community outreach programs, and prioritized public works enhancements.
Behind his commitment to community lies a deeply personal story of family sacrifice. His grandparents and great-grandparents, French Canadian on his father's side and Polish immigrants on his mother's, faced hardships that put modern challenges into perspective.
"My dad's parents and grandparents used horses to farm before he was born. My mom's family (especially great-grandparents) came from war-torn Poland when it was not even a country. When I think I'm having a tough day, I remember their struggles and feel fortunate."
This immigrant heritage makes Saginaw's new library and senior center particularly meaningful to him. Set to open soon, the library will offer ESL, GED, and citizenship classes, services that resonate with his family history. "It reminds me of my grandparents, and I'm excited to see it serve more people," he says.
As one of the city’s most anticipated projects, it reflects his commitment to education and community enrichment.
“Our library is the heartbeat of our city. It is where people come to learn, to connect, to grow. We are tripling its size, expanding our adult education programs, and making sure that it continues to serve as a resource for generations to come.”
Beyond infrastructure, he has focused on economic development, maintaining the delicate balance of attracting new businesses while preserving Saginaw’s small-town feel. “We are completely surrounded by Fort Worth, but we still maintain that neighborly, small-town charm,” he says.
“That is something I hear from residents all the time—they love that personal connection. It is my job to make sure we grow responsibly while keeping that identity intact.”
A Leader Who Listens: The Power of Community Engagement
Gabe understands that effective leadership in city management hinges on strong community engagement. One initiative, "Garage Gabs" brings city officials directly to residents' driveways and HOA meetings, creating face-to-face connections that cut through social media noise.
The program started organically when he responded to a complaint by visiting a resident's home, which turned into an impromptu neighborhood meeting. He shares that "Now it’s a full-fledged initiative where residents can talk to the mayor, city council members, police, and fire officials—all in a relaxed, open setting.”
These gatherings provide a space for both praise and criticism, and Gabe welcomes it all.
“You know, not every conversation is easy. People have strong opinions, and they should. It means they care. And when they trust you enough to be honest with their concerns, that is when you know community engagement is working.”
This hyper-local approach works especially well in Saginaw, eight square miles with about 25,000 residents, where the impact of government can be immediately visible. When residents complain about traffic, increased patrols follow. When code enforcement questions arise, city officials are there to explain regulations and find solutions.
"Social media is full of misinformation, and some people will be upset no matter what. But meeting in person clears up confusion and builds trust."
Tangible Results in an Intangible Profession
City management often involves long-term planning that takes years to materialize, but Gabe finds fulfillment in making concrete improvements to residents' lives. He recalls an earlier experience working with the City of Denison, when securing HUD funding helped the city repave streets in long neglected neighborhoods. He recalls,
"People came out of their houses to watch the asphalt being laid—it was emotional for them."
Such moments help validate his career choice: "Public service is fulfilling because it's practical and directly improves people's lives."
He is proud of Saginaw’s most recent successes, including national accreditation for the public works department after four years of effort. "Most residents don't know what that means, but it validates our high standards," he explains.
As Saginaw approaches build-out, Gabe is shifting focus toward redevelopment and long-term sustainability. Discussions around a new animal shelter and strategic urban planning underscore his vision for the city.
“Our current animal shelter is on borrowed time. A new facility is necessary, but it is also a big investment. That is why we are discussing another bond election—it is about making sure we get it right for the long term.”
He is also keenly aware of the challenges that come with managing a growing city. “We’re running out of greenfield development,” he says.
“That means our next phase of growth must come from redevelopment, which is always more complex. But it is also an opportunity to reinvest in our community and make sure we are building a city that is sustainable for the future.”
Mentorship and Building the Next Generation
Passionate about developing future leaders, Gabe remains actively involved with UNT’s public administration program. He mentors students, offers guidance on city governance, and emphasizes the importance of internships and hands-on experience.
“I tell students all the time, if you want to understand city government, go to a council meeting. Watch how elected officials interact, see how staff presents information, and get a feel for how decisions are made. It is the best education you can get outside of a classroom.”
He also emphasizes the importance of patience and resilience in public service. “This job isn’t always easy,” he says. “There will be criticism, there will be setbacks. But at the end of the day, our job is to serve. If you can keep that at the center of everything you do, you will find it incredibly rewarding.”
His advocacy for professional growth within the city has also resulted in internal promotions, ensuring a strong leadership pipeline for Saginaw’s future.
"We've been able to promote from within, which is something I’m really proud of. Seeing someone start as an intern and grow into a leadership role—it’s incredibly rewarding."
Wisdom for the Next Generation
For those considering public service careers, Gabe offers practical advice gained from his journey:
1. Develop People Skills
"City management isn't about being the smartest—it's about personality and fit."
2. Cultivate Patience
"Decisions take time. Some projects I started in my first years in Saginaw are only now being completed."
3. Embrace Continuous Learning
Reading widely—from biographies to fiction—helps develop essential interpersonal skills.
4. Master Communication
"Never assume everyone understands a project."
5. Maintain Work-Life Balance
Pursue interests outside of work, like his passion for writing and investing. In 2023, he proudly authored, Strangers and Angels: Finding Family in Unexpected Places, which recounts his journey from rural America to his career as a city manager, highlighting the transformative relationships he formed along the way.
Public Service as a Calling
Gabe Reaume’s journey from a Michigan farm to the heart of Texas municipal leadership is a story of change, community-first leadership, and servant leadership. His efforts in Saginaw are leaving a lasting impact, proving that strong leadership can transform communities for the better.
“Public service is about making a tangible difference. It is about solving problems, creating opportunities, and making sure people feel heard. That is what keeps me going.”
For those interested in similar paths, he offers this encouragement: "If you're interested in public service, reach out to city staff and ask for advice. You’d be surprised how much they are usually happy to help."
He also insists the importance of finding a good mentor, citing his own role model, former Fort Worth City Manager Bob Herchert, whose kindness and diplomacy continue to encourage and inspire him.
In a profession where success is measured in neighborhood improvements, community connections, and projects that typically take years to complete, Gabe Reaume has found the perfect blend of practical impact and personal fulfillment—one driveway conversation at a time.
Resources and Organizations Mentioned
Check out these organizations and resources mentioned by Gabe:
Strangers and Angels: Finding Family in Unexpected Places explores themes of family and belonging through personal narratives that highlight unexpected connections. Saginaw City Manager, Gabe Reaume gives readers an inspiring perspective on how relationships can form in surprising ways amidst life's challenges.
The University of North Texas (UNT) Public Administration Program is a nationally ranked Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, emphasizing ethical, accountable, and inclusive governance. Established in 1961, it prepares students for leadership roles in public and nonprofit sectors, with specializations in areas like local government, nonprofit management, and emergency management.
City of Saginaw, Texas is a small city in Tarrant County, Texas, with a population of 23,890 as of the 2020 census. Known for its historical ties to the railroad and grain industries, it operates under a council-manager form of government and serves as a suburban community within the Fort Worth metropolitan area.
City of Denison, Texas is a city in Grayson County, Texas, with a population of 24,479 as of 2020. Founded in 1872 as a railroad hub, it is known for its historical significance and as the birthplace of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The city is part of the Sherman-Denison Metropolitan Statistical Area and has been recognized for its cultural contributions.
City of Sugarland, Texas is an affluent and rapidly growing city in Fort Bend County, Texas, with a population of 111,026 as of the 2020 census. Originally a company town for the Imperial Sugar Company, it has evolved into a major suburban municipality within the Houston metropolitan area, known for its master-planned communities and corporate presence.
City of Denton, Texas is a vibrant city in North Texas known for its thriving arts scene and home to two major universities: the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University. With a population exceeding 139,000 as of 2020, Denton combines college-town energy with cultural diversity and historic charm.
Former Fort Worth City Manager, Bob Herchert served as Fort Worth's city manager for seven years during his 16-year career in city administration, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in municipal governance. Later, he became the first non-engineer President and CEO of Freese and Nichols, bringing innovative business practices to the company and enhancing its competitive edge.
Texas City Management Association (TCMA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting city managers and other local government professionals across Texas. It promotes ethical governance, professional development, and collaboration among municipal leaders to enhance public service delivery statewide.
ICMA (International City/County Management Association) is an international organization that advances professional local government management worldwide. It provides resources, training, and advocacy to support city and county managers in fostering sustainable communities through effective governance.
