Meet City Manager - Michael G. Bartholomew

Michael is Des Plaines' longest-serving city manager, appointed by the City Council to this position in 2012. Mike is a highly respected municipal manager with more than three decades of municipal experience.

Under his leadership and in collaboration with City Council, Des Plaines has achieved much progress and success, including: financial strength and stability, significant economic development and infrastructure investments, downtown revitalization with the renovation and opening of the Historic Downtown Des Plaines Theatre, overall municipal excellence and more! 

The City of Des Plaines is a top ranked community for residents and businesses! Our City has been recognized as a Better Business Town (2021), a Best Place to Live (35 out of 100, 2017) and a Best Place to Retire (one of 8 in the U.S., 2018).  

Responsibilities

As the City's professional manager, he advises and makes recommendations to the council concerning policy issues and is responsible for the implementation of their goals, policies, and directives.  

He provides oversight and management of the City budget and finances, City operations and personnel. He works with his leadership team and the entire City team to efficiently and effectively deliver public services that enhance quality of life and advance economic and community vibrancy. 

The manager is also responsible for implementing the Council's Strategic Plan, which includes four priority areas: 

• Community Character
• Re‐imagined Growth
• Infrastructure and Mobility
• Municipal Excellence 

Background

Mr. Bartholomew’s municipal career includes serving as Assistant City Manager, City Development Director, Chief Building Official, and Housing and Construction Manager for Sterling Heights, Michigan. He joined the City of Des Plaines in 2010 as the City's Director of Community and Economic Development and was appointed to the position of City Manager in 2012.