The City of Little Rock has a new, permanent city manager following a nearly two-year-long vacancy.
Members of the city Board of Directors voted seven to one to confirm Delphone Hubbard, the city’s fire chief, to the position. Hubbard had been serving in the role in an interim capacity since April.
In Little Rock, the city manager functions as the chief administrative officer, appointed by the mayor and board members. The last person to serve in the role on a permanent basis was Bruce Moore, who held the position from 2002 until his death in October 2023.
Hubbard was one of three people to serve as interim city manager in the wake of Moore’s death; the other two were former Assistant City Manager Emily Cox and Susan Altrui, director of the Little Rock Zoo.
Hubbard was named to the post in a Tuesday board meeting, with Ward 5 City Director Lance Hines the only member to vote against his appointment. At-large Director Antwan Phillips and Ward 2 Director Ken Richardson were both absent from the meeting.
Hubbard has served as chief of the Little Rock Fire Department since 2018, following a 22-year stint in Memphis. It's unclear who will succeed him as fire chief.
"I am humbled to follow in the footsteps and legacy of my friend and colleague, Bruce T. Moore, and I am excited about this new opportunity to continue serving the people of Little Rock," Hubbard said in a statement. "I appreciate the confidence Mayor Scott and the Board have shown in me, and I am glad to accept this new role."
The Arkansas Times reports Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. had planned to nominate D.K. Wesley, a North Carolina county official, to the position. Wesley reportedly withdrew her name from consideration for the post earlier this week.
The city manager’s role has changed during Scott’s tenure as mayor; while Little Rock has historically had a “strong mayor” form of governance, the city manager played a more active role in governance and policy decisions in previous administrations.
"Throughout his career, Chief Hubbard has been a hands-on administrator who leads from the front lines with strong support from his staff and colleagues," Scott said. "I appreciate the Board for joining me in placing our trust in him as we work together to unite, grow and transform the City of Little Rock."
In an interview with Little Rock television station KATV Tuesday, Scott said he doesn’t believe there’s “a need for a city manager” in Little Rock.
