City of Bel Aire
City Manager
The City of Bel Aire recently transitioned to a Council-Manager form of government. The City Manager is a professional government manager appointed by the Bel Aire City Council, and is responsible for the efficient daily operations of the city. In order to deliver services in the most efficient manner possible, the City Manager must work closely with department heads and city staff, develop and submit the City's annual operating budget to the City Council for consideration, provide guidance and expertise to the City Council on a variety of issues, and address citizens questions, comments, and concerns in a timely fashion.
Why have professional management? According to the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), professional local government managers fulfill a number of invaluable functions for the community, the elected officials, and the citizens:
- Work in partnership with elected officials to develop sound appropaches to community challenges and make the right things happen;
- Take a comprehensive perspective that is guided by a long-term vision for the community;
- Commit to a set of highly ethical practices and maintain a deep sense of social responsibility as a trusted public servant;
- Focus on sound financial management, efficient and equitable service delivery, policy implementation, and local government performance evaluation;
- Ensure that services are fairly distributed and that administration of the community organization is based on merit and not favoritism.
Meet the City Manager, Ty Lasher
Welcome to the City of Bel Aire website. I hope that you are able to find all of the information you need and your questions are answered on our website. If you need additional assistance, don't hesitate to contact myself or one of our dedicated staff. We are proud of our community and am sure you will find Bel Aire a great place to live.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and tell you about my experience. I was raised on a farm in McLouth Kansas, a town of approximately 850 people. Upon graduation from high school, I attended MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas where I received a B.A. in Agribusiness. After college, I went to work as the Noxious Weed Director for Jefferson County in northeast Kansas. After five years in Jefferson County, I accepted the same position for Reno County and moved to Hutchinson, Kansas. While working full time, I returned to school at Wichita State University to obtain a Master of Public Administration which I completed in 2001. After graduation from WSU, I accepted the position of City Administrator for Cheney, Kansas. In 2006, I became the City Administrator for Bel Aire. Bel Aire changed its form of government to Council-Manager and, in January of 2010, I became the City Manager of Bel Aire. I am an active member of the WSU alumni association, Kansas Association of City Managers as well as International Association of City Managers.
In 2009, I became an ICMA Credentialed Manager. The ICMA Credentialing Program recognizes professional local government managers who are qualified by a combination of education and experience, adherence to high standards of integrity, and an assessed commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Managers are recognized by ICMA through a peer review credentialing process; this self-directed program offers an opportunity for interested ICMA members to quantify the unique expertise they bring to their community. The program also assists ICMA members in focusing and reflecting upon their lifelong professional development experience. ICMA Credentialed Managers are viewed with growing distinction by local governing bodies and progressive, civically engaged communities
I am married to Denise. We have one son, Alex, who is in 9th grade and one daughter, Jenna, who is in 6th grade. We live in Bel Aire and very much enjoy this community.
Talk to Ty...
If you have questions, comments, or concerns about issues in Bel Aire, please let us know. Citizens are encouraged to let their voice be heard. The staff of the City Manager's Office will work to ensure all questions, comments, and concerns are addressed in a timely fashion. Ty can be reached by calling (316) 744-2451, e-mailing tlasher@belaireks.gov, or at Bel Aire City Hall, 7651 E. Central Park Ave., Bel Aire KS 67226.
Links• Kansas Association of City & County Managers
• International City & County Managers Association