Guthrie's new city manager brings passion and experience to job

“Isn't it beautiful? I plan on staying here a while,” she said.

Breland, 35, started her job as city manager Oct. 22. She's looking forward to bringing new ideas to the state's first capital city while pulling from her diverse background and the experience of city employees.

“City employees have already been successful here,” she said. “There are progressive ideas here and workers with experience and expertise.”

Breland previously worked as city manager in Goliad, Texas. The municipality is billed as the third oldest in Texas and was settled by the Spanish in the 16th century.

She's worked in various other areas of city government, including as director of support services in Sugar Land, Texas, and recycling coordinator in Denton, Texas. She's also been a high school government teacher, worked at a library and been in charge of fleet operations.

She said she makes it a habit to walk the city's streets, frequent its shops and talk to residents. She wants to be a part of the city, connected to the people and working on their behalf,

“Our work is the closest level of government to the taxpayer,” she said. “I love the impact a city manager can make in a community with real projects that meet real needs.”

Some of her ideas would bring even more culture and camaraderie to the downtown area with festival and community gathering spots. She noted a recent Saturday where she was nearly too busy to keep up, with a downtown art walk, Alpaca show and wreath auction.

“People want to be able to do things in their community,” she said.