Newburgh Taps Mike Neppl as Deputy City Manager During Growth

City Manager Todd Venning announced on December 19, 2025 that Mike Neppl will serve as Newburgh Deputy City Manager following confirmation by the City Council. The position was established through the City of Newburgh 2026 Budget and a corresponding local law, creating a chartered executive role intended to bolster administrative capacity as the city advances a sweeping development agenda.

“This appointment reflects the scale and momentum of what’s happening in Newburgh,” Venning said. “Mike has been instrumental as Chief of Staff, and his leadership, judgment, and operational discipline make him the right choice as we enter our next phase of growth.” Neppl has served as Chief of Staff and will take on responsibilities to coordinate strategic operations, align departments, and shepherd major initiatives.

Newburgh is in the midst of what city officials describe as one of the largest investment periods in its history, with more than 500 million dollars in projects either underway or planned. Major public initiatives include the North Interceptor Sewer Separation and Improvement Project, the new Delano Hitch Aquatic Center, the African American Burial Ground Reinterment Project, bridge and roadway replacement work, and citywide water stormwater and sewer upgrades. Private development includes a luxury boutique downtown hotel, over 800 new residential units citywide, and nearly 700,000 square feet of commercial and industrial construction. The city is also advancing the revitalization of Newburgh Landing as a deep water port for industrial, commercial, recreational and passenger uses.

“As Deputy City Manager, Mr. Neppl will act as a key operational leader working alongside the City Manager to oversee strategic operations, align departments, advance major initiatives, and implement long term priorities in infrastructure, public safety, housing, and government modernization,” the release states. Neppl will be sworn in at a public ceremony on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Activity Center, 401 Washington Street, Newburgh, NY.

The new role formalizes executive capacity to manage interrelated projects and budget commitments, and it concentrates responsibility for implementation within the mayor and City Manager s office. That consolidation can accelerate decision making and improve coordination across departments, but it also increases the importance of transparent reporting, procurement oversight, and clear lines of accountability to the City Council and the public. Residents seeking to follow project timelines and financial details can attend the swearing in and monitor forthcoming council meetings and budget documents to ensure priorities align with housing affordability, infrastructure resilience, and equitable community outcomes.