The Newport City Council is expected to approve a contract for Joe Gunter to become the city's next city manager during its meeting on July 6. Gunter, who most recently served as town manager in Fair Haven for eight years, was selected from a pool of 30 applicants.
According to city officials, a search committee interviewed six finalists and recommended two candidates before the council chose Gunter. His tenure in Fair Haven included securing $12 million in grant funding for infrastructure and revitalization, advancing public works projects, and attracting housing developments. He also previously managed a $130 million infrastructure program in Afghanistan through USAID.
Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase called Gunter "uniquely qualified," citing his economic development experience. Search committee members including Police Chief Travis Bingham, Council Member Andrew Touchette, and resident Cathy Valley praised his leadership and community engagement.
Gunter said he is eager to focus on downtown redevelopment and long-term strategies. "Newport has so much going for it," he said. The council is expected to sign the contract and Gunter will make brief remarks at the July 6 meeting.
Originally reported by WPTZ NBC5.
Photo: Tom Fisk via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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