Republic announces Harris as next city admin.

New hire brings public works experience from Springfield City Utilities position
 
The City of Republic has announced that Colten Harris has accepted the offer to become the next city administrator with an anticipated start date of Dec. 8, 2025. Harris will lead city operations with an emphasis on efficiency, transparency, and building strong connections between residents, staff, and elected officials.
Harris brings more than 14 years of municipal experience, most recently leading Springfield’s largest public works division. In that role, he oversaw 10 work groups and 130 employees, administered a $16 million operational budget, and managed a wide portfolio that included pavement management, emergency response, snow and ice operations, drainage, and right-of-way infrastructure. He also played a key role in achieving APWA Public Works Accreditation and delivering multi-year capital improvement initiatives.
Beyond managing complex operations, Harris has been recognized for driving culture change through introducing key performance indicators (KPIs), increasing employee retention, and creating pathways for internal promotion. He has also been a public-facing leader, coordinating with media, local stakeholders, and interdepartmental teams to ensure transparency and trust.
“Our city is growing quickly, and we’ve set a standard for doing things the right way while keeping our community at the heart of every decision,” said Republic Mayor Eric Franklin. “We believe Colten is the right leader to continue that work and to help us plan boldly for the future.”
“What drew me to Republic is its energy, growth, and a forward-thinking government,” Harris said. “Beyond the community’s bright future, it is also an incredible opportunity to join such a talented and devoted workforce and executive team. I believe in servant leadership, and I look forward to working alongside city council, city staff, and residents to continue building a strong, vibrant community.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Harris has been honored with numerous recognitions, including Missouri Society of Professional Engineers’ Young Engineer of the Year, Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and Men of the Year. He also serves on the APWA Missouri Chapter Executive Committee and co-founded Springfield’s Engineers Without Borders chapter.