Q&A with Isaiah Hugley: Former City Manager Eyes Historic Run for Mayor of Columbus

Isaiah Hugley served as Columbus’ City Manager for over 20 years, guiding the city through major projects and pivotal decisions. Now, after a controversial termination and decades of public service, Hugley is seeking a new title: Mayor. If elected, he would become the first Black mayor popularly elected in the city's history. The Courier Eco Latino sat down with Hugley to discuss his motivations, his legacy, and his vision for the future of Columbus.

Q: After serving more than two decades as City Manager, what motivated you to run for mayor now? A.  After serving more than two decades as City Manager of Columbus, my motivation to run for mayor goes back to the very first day I stepped into city government—I knew then that one day, I wanted to sit in that seat. Now, at a time when our city and nation face critical challenges, experience isn’t just valuable, it’s essential. We cannot afford leadership that requires on-the-job training. I’m running because I’m ready on day one. I was made for this moment, and I believe my proven leadership is exactly what Columbus needs right now.

 Q: How has your experience as City Manager uniquely prepared you to serve as mayor? A. With over 41 years of dedicated service to the City of Columbus — including two decades as City Manager — I bring unmatched experience, leadership, and institutional knowledge to the role of mayor. I have worked shoulder to shoulder with four mayors, managing the city’s day-to-day operations through some of its most challenging and defining moments: the economic downturn of 2008, multiple natural disasters, the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, and periods of strong growth and development. I know this city government from top to bottom and bottom to top. I understand the complexities of city and county government, the value of strong public-private partnerships, and, most importantly, how to get things done. I am battle-tested, results-driven, and deeply committed to this community. There is no learning curve for me — I am ready to lead on day one.

 Q: You were terminated just six months before your scheduled retirement. How did that experience shape your perspective on city leadership? A. After 41 years of dedicated public service—20 of those as City Manager—being terminated just six months before my announced retirement was a deeply disappointing experience, but it has also clarified my perspective on the state of city leadership today. What happened to me is not an isolated event; it reflects a broader national climate where division, political expediency, and a disregard for institutional knowledge often overshadow integrity, collaboration, and long-term stewardship. This moment has reinforced for me the urgent need to rebuild trust in local government, to restore unity where division has taken root, and to hold elected officials accountable not just for what they say, but for how they treat the institutions and people who serve them. True leadership is not about power—it’s about responsibility, and the health of our communities depends on our willingness to confront these uncomfortable truths head-on.

Q: Some viewed your termination as politically motivated. Do you believe your removal was personal, political, or something else? A. Both - politically motivated and personal.

Q: If elected, what are your top priorities in your first 100 days as mayor? A. When elected Mayor of Columbus, GA, my first 100 days will be focused on laying the foundation for a stronger, more united, and more vibrant city. I will introduce a Unity Through Reconciliation proposal to begin healing longstanding internal divides and fostering a spirit of inclusion, transparency, and mutual respect — a bold step toward realizing the vision of One Columbus.  At the same time, I will launch a Public Parks Beautification and Restoration Plan to revitalize our green spaces, ensuring every resident, especially our children and seniors—can enjoy safe, clean, and inspiring environments. Recognizing the heartbeat of our local economy and culture, I will also unveil a strategic proposal to uplift small businesses, support local nonprofits, and invest in the arts, acknowledging their vital role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and enriching the soul of our city. These initiatives represent not just promises, but a clear and immediate action plan to move Columbus forward—together.

 Q: What specific policies or initiatives would distinguish your administration from previous mayors? A. For too long, Columbus has been treated as Georgia’s largest cul-de-sac — a vibrant city at the end of I-185, disconnected from the economic engines of the Southeast. That ends with my administration. As your next mayor, I will lead with bold, actionable vision — not more studies, visits, or photo ops. My administration will deliver real infrastructure progress that opens Columbus to the future:

• Interstate 14 through Columbus: I will fight to make our city a strategic link in the new I-14 corridor, finally connecting Columbus westward and beyond — positioning us as a true gateway, not a dead end.

• High-Speed Passenger Rail: Columbus will no longer be left out of the discussion for Georgia’s modern transportation network. I will fight for rail links connecting us to Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Macon — and across state lines to Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama.

Simply put, when I was city manager, I dutifully worked to implement the vision of the mayor and elected officials. When I am elected, my administration will work to implement my bold vision as mayor — we need progress.  Together, we’ll build a city of connection, opportunity, and momentum. The future is possible — and it runs through Columbus.

Q: How would you approach the dynamic between the City Manager and the Mayor’s Office, having served in both roles? A. The Columbus, Georgia Charter is clear in outlining the role/duties of the mayor, and city manager.  We will follow the Charter as outlined.

Q: If elected, you would become the first Black mayor elected by popular vote in Columbus. What does that milestone mean to you? A. Let’s be clear -to be elected by the people of Columbus—is about being elected to serve every citizen - a moment of unity and shared purpose, and a call to lead our city into a future where leadership reflects the strength, diversity, and promise of all its people. If elected as the first Black mayor chosen by popular vote in the history of Columbus, Georgia, it would stand as a profound milestone built on a lifetime of breaking barriers in this city I love. In 1984, I was humbled to become the first Black assistant department head; in 1988, the first Black department head; in 1998, the first Black “deputy city manager”; and in 2005, I was honored to be appointed the first Black city manager—eventually becoming the longest-serving in that role. Each of those historical appointments represented not just personal achievement, but progress for our entire community.

Q: How do you plan to build an administration that reflects the city’s diversity? A. I will always hire the most qualified people because Columbus deserves excellence—The fact is our city government is only as strong as it’s people and an organization that reflects the rich diversity of our city will grow stronger and thrive.  Excellence and inclusion are not mutually exclusive—they go hand in hand.”

Q: What would you say to young Black and Brown residents who feel disconnected from local politics? A. All citizens want to be heard and respected. As Mayor, I will listen.  — That’s exactly why we must show up. Local politics isn’t small; it’s where our streets, parks, schools, and futures are shaped. Your voice and your vote decide how our tax dollars are spent. The power doesn’t come from the top — it flows from all ofus. Together, we can rebuild a system that works for one Columbus

Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time as City Manager? A. Over the past two decades, I am most proud that, together, we have transformed Columbus, Georgia into a powerhouse regional center—recognized nationally as the 20th best-run city in America in 2025, and the best-run city in Georgia. Under my leadership, we achieved a clean, unmodified audit in 2024—the highest level of financial assurance—with zero findings and no misstatements, as reported by Mauldin & Jenkins. Our financial strength is further affirmed by our excellent bond ratings of Aa+ and Aa2 from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, respectively. We have consistently maintained a Reserve Fund well above the 90-day threshold and sustained a strong, self-funded pension plan that ensures our retirees receive the benefits they earned for life. These accomplishments are a testament to prudent leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a shared commitment to excellence in public service.”

Q: Lastly, what do you want your legacy to be—not just as a candidate, but as a lifelong public servant in Columbus? A. I want my legacy to be that I led Columbus through a defining era of transformation — from a city once seen as a stop on the way to somewhere else, to a dynamic regional powerhouse and the second largest city in Georgia. Over my 41 years of service — including 20 as City Manager — I worked every day to move our city forward with vision, purpose, and results. Under my leadership, Columbus was recognized as the 12th best-run city in America in 2024 and the 20th in 2025 — not just accolades, but reflections of a city that was working better for its people. I want to be remembered as a public servant who made Columbus a better place to live, work, and play — not by chance, but by commitment, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the potential of this great city.”