Yakima Appoints Finance and Budget Trailblazer to Spearhead Fiscal Transformation

The City of Yakima has announced the appointment of Viren Mayani as its new Finance and Budget Director, marking a significant step in the city's effort to revamp its fiscal management and achieve greater transparency. As one of the first hires under the leadership of newly appointed City Manager Vicki Baker, Mayani's arrival coincides with the city's preparations for its 2025 budget, which will be developed using a new, priority-based budgeting process.

Unlocking Financial Stability and Transparency in Yakima

Navigating Yakima's Budgetary Landscape

Viren Mayani, a seasoned finance and budget professional, expressed his enthusiasm for taking on this new challenge. "I'm excited to join the management team in Yakima and help the community address some of the pressing budget and finance issues facing the city," Mayani said in a press release. With his extensive experience in the public and private sectors, Mayani is poised to provide the strategic guidance and expertise needed to chart a course towards fiscal stability and transparency.Mayani's appointment comes at a critical juncture for Yakima, as the city grapples with the aftermath of the former City Manager's departure. His predecessor, Mark Roberts, resigned in January following the Yakima City Council's decision to terminate the previous city manager, Bob Harrison. This transition presents an opportunity for Mayani to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the city's financial management.

Leveraging Expertise and Diverse Experience

Mayani's background is well-suited to the task at hand. Prior to joining Yakima, he served as a consultant and held executive roles in the private sector, including a business manager position with the City of Atlanta from 2006 to 2010. In this role, he oversaw a $220 million budget, honing his skills in managing large-scale financial operations and navigating complex municipal budgets.Beyond his public sector experience, Mayani has also consulted for nonprofits and startups, as well as held finance roles in private companies and a university. This diverse portfolio of experiences has equipped him with a well-rounded understanding of financial management in various settings, allowing him to bring a unique and holistic approach to Yakima's fiscal challenges.

Educational Background and Professional Affiliations

Academically, Mayani holds two bachelor's degrees from the University of Bombay in India, one in Accounting and Financial Management, and the other in Law. He also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Scranton, further strengthening his expertise in financial management and strategic decision-making.In addition to his formal education, Mayani has been actively engaged in professional associations and community groups. He has served on the boards of Asian American, Indo-American, and financial committees and groups, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and community involvement.

Charting a Course Towards Fiscal Stability

As Mayani assumes his new role, he has expressed a clear vision for his tenure. "I look forward to addressing some of the budget and finance issues facing the city and charting a course toward transparent and transformative fiscal stability," he stated in the press release.Mayani's arrival coincides with Yakima's adoption of a new, priority-based budgeting process for the 2025 fiscal year. This strategic shift in budgeting methodology underscores the city's commitment to aligning its financial resources with its most pressing needs and strategic priorities. Mayani's expertise in this area will be invaluable as he works to implement this new approach and ensure the city's financial decisions are aligned with its long-term goals.With Viren Mayani at the helm of Yakima's finance and budget department, the city is poised to embark on a transformative journey towards greater financial stability and transparency. His wealth of experience, diverse background, and unwavering commitment to serving the community will be instrumental in guiding Yakima towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.