When Dr. Patrick Burtch stepped into the role of City Administrator for Maumee in February 2020, the world and the city looked very different. The COVID-19 pandemic had just begun to take hold, shutting down businesses, upending routines, and forcing local governments into crisis management mode.
For Dr. Burtch, however, the challenge was personal as well as professional. Having grown up in nearby Waterville, taking the job felt like a homecoming.
“For me, it was like I was coming home, and it felt good to be here,” he reflected, describing the decision to accept the role after nearly nine months of negotiations.
As he officially retired from his position the week of August 16, Dr. Burtch looked back on a time defined by major change, long-standing challenges, and a relentless push for progress.
A Vision for a Better Maumee
From the outset, Dr. Burtch saw a city with enormous potential, but one that required serious, often overdue, attention. He quickly turned his focus to Maumee’s infrastructure, economic vitality, and livability.
At the top of his list: improving outdated buildings, reenergizing the declining Arrowhead Business Park, and addressing a busy state highway and the Anthony Wayne Trail, two roads that physically divided the city and disrupted community cohesion.
The results of his efforts are visible throughout the city. In Uptown Maumee, streets were narrowed, sidewalks widened, and beautification projects brought in new lighting, landscaping, and a scenic path along the Maumee River. These enhancements created more space for pedestrians and gave the heart of the city a vibrant new identity.
The Anthony Wayne Trail reconstruction also made significant progress under his leadership, including the addition of a protected, multi-use path now used daily by walkers, cyclists, and mobility device users.
“There are a lot of great things happening now in Maumee, but it was contentious, and I get it; change hurts. People get consternation about change.”
Revitalizing Growth and Housing
Economic development remained a top priority throughout Dr. Burtch’s administration. New business construction has taken root across the city, and major housing projects are now underway.
A standout among these is the $54 million luxury apartment development by Metropolitan Holdings, set to begin phase one construction this fall in Arrowhead Park.
“These projects reflect a renewed confidence in Maumee,” he said. “When people see that we’re investing in our infrastructure and community, they recognize that this is a place that cares about itself.”
Confronting Long-Ignored Infrastructure
Perhaps the most difficult and critical challenge Dr. Burtch faced was addressing Maumee’s aging and inadequate underground infrastructure.
Soon after taking office, he reported the city’s illegal sewage dumping into the Maumee River to the Ohio EPA, a problem that had been ignored for years. The disclosure prompted a strict EPA remediation order and a citywide inspection and overhaul of its sewer system, which is now underway.
“Maumee hadn’t invested in underground infrastructure in decades. That’s not just a public works issue — that’s an economic development issue,” he said. “It sends a message about how we value our community.”
He expressed confidence that the city’s team will carry the sewer project forward: “Matt Miles is qualified to do this. If he stays focused, he’ll do a great job.”
A Lifetime in Public Service
Dr. Burtch, 61, brought 40 years of public service experience to the role. He began his career as an intern in the City of Toledo, working under former Mayor Donna Owens and City Manager Dave Boston. He later served as Lenawee County Budget Director before taking the job as the Village Manager in Dundee, MI, a title he held for 23 years. He then served as the City Manager in Jackson, MI, for nine years before returning to Ohio.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration from the University of Toledo, as well as a PhD in public policy and administration.
As he steps away from full-time city management, Dr. Burtch looks forward to spending more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. A cancer survivor himself, he is also interested in giving back to the community through volunteer work, possibly even launching a local Relay for Life campaign.
“I’m going to take some time to spend with my family. I think that’s important. I want to be able to enjoy life.”
