About James Freed
Port Huron, Michigan City Manager, Chief Administrative Officer
Under the City Charter, James Freed serves as City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Port Huron, Michigan. Acting under the direction of the Mayor and City Council, Mr. Freed provides strategic leadership to all City departments, ensuring efficient, accountable, and results-driven delivery of municipal services.
A strong advocate for pro-growth, limited-government policies, Mr. Freed believes local government functions best when it creates the conditions for private investment, job creation, and individual opportunity, while remaining fiscally disciplined and focused on core services. His approach emphasizes removing unnecessary barriers, streamlining processes, and allowing residents and businesses the freedom to succeed.
As City Manager, Mr. Freed develops the City’s annual operating budget, leads long-term capital planning, and oversees the implementation of City initiatives. His collaborative leadership style ensures that the policy direction set by the Mayor and City Council is translated into measurable outcomes that strengthen the local economy and enhance quality of life.
Beginning in 2014, Mr. Freed led the City of Port Huron’s comprehensive financial transformation and recovery plan, restoring long-term fiscal stability while protecting taxpayers. Under his leadership, the City dramatically reduced unfunded liabilities, saving taxpayers more than $114 million. The City’s pension fund improved from 43% funded to 90% funded, while the retiree healthcare fund increased from 28% funded to 76% funded. These reforms strengthened the City’s financial foundation, honored commitments to employees and retirees, and positioned Port Huron for sustained economic growth without increasing the tax burden on residents.
With more than 18 years of executive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, Mr. Freed brings a pragmatic understanding of economic realities to municipal management. During his tenure, Port Huron has attracted more than $850 million in new private investment, resulting in over 3,500 new, well-paying jobs. The City’s poverty rate has declined every year for the past eight years, outpacing the national average, while unemployment and crime rates have reached historic lows.
Mr. Freed’s leadership has been nationally recognized. He has been named one of the Top Ten City Managers in the Country by Gov Business Review, 40 Under 40 by Crain’s Detroit Business, and Young Michigander of the Year by the Michigan Chamber Foundation.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School. Mr. Freed has authored numerous papers on public policy, economic development, and the economic and social challenges facing rural and low-income communities.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Freed is a devoted husband and father. He is married to his wife, Jessie, and together they are raising their two daughters, Lucy and Annie. He believes transparency and open communication are essential to effective governance and maintains an open-door policy with residents, business owners, and community partners.
