Joshua Rauch was sworn in as the City of Hilliard’s City Manager on April 20, 2026.
Before joining the City of Hilliard, Joshua spent 15 years of his career managing, building, and improving local governments. He most recently worked as City Manager for the City of Riverside from 2021 to 2026.
He began his career with internships for the City of Dayton and City of Mission, Kansas, before becoming the Neighborhood Services Coordinator for the City of Mission. From there, he served as the Deputy Economic Development Administrator for the City of Springfield, Ohio, and then spent several years in government management consulting.
He earned his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas and his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Dayton.
Rauch is involved in the International City/County Management Association, Greater Dayton Mayors and Managers Association, Ohio City/County Management Association, and other organizations.
A City Manager is a professionally trained municipal administrator who manages the day-to-day operations of a city government.
Under a Council-Manager form of government, Hilliard voters elect members to City Council, who (by a two-thirds affirmative vote) appoint a City Manager to be the chief administrative/executive officer of the City.
The City Manager reports directly to City Council and implements the City’s Council approved operating and capital budgets. City Council directs the City Manager to enter into contracts and to perform certain actions on the City’s behalf.
City Council establishes various policies by enacting legislation. The City Manager implements those policies as directed by Council.
As defined by the City of Hilliard’s Charter, the City Manager oversees all departments and divisions of the municipal government, including hiring and firing of City employees.
A City Manager advises City Council on matters of legislation, policy and finances; works with the President of Council to formulate the agendas of all Council meetings and Council committee meetings; and prepares and submits to Council reports requested by a majority of Council’s membership, and such other reports concerning the City as deemed advisable.
The City Manager serves at the pleasure of City Council. There is no right of recall to Hilliard residents to recall or vote out a City Manager.
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