This episode is brought to you by Do Savannah and DoSavannah.com

The potential brought Rob Hernandez to Savannah and two years later, he still sees the city ready to thrive. Whether that is through a new arena project or a re-configuration of the Civic Center, change is happening in the Hostess City and Hernandez is a major influence on it. On this episode, Hernandez speaks with editorial page editor Adam Van Brimmer about what drew him to public service, his military career, his time in Florida and what he makes of Savannah now compared to when he first took his position as city manager.

(7:25): The draw to public service and his military service

(13:39): Time working in Broward County, Florida

(16:47): How is Savannah now compared to when he first took the job?

• Savannah council hires Rob Hernandez as city manager for $238,000 (SMN, Sept. 1, 2016)
• City Manager: Savannah facing funding challenges for 2019 (SMN, July 10, 2018) 

(19:49): Arena and canal district plans

• Savannah moves forward with $11.2 million arena contract (SMN, Sept. 13, 2018)
• City Talk: New Savannah arena — meeting point or dividing line? (SMN, Oct. 27, 2018)
• Concepts for new Savannah arena unveiled (SMN, Oct. 30, 2018)

(26:44): Why move employees and government out of the city and sell off old buildings?

• Savannah City Council OKs downtown building sale for hotel (SMN, Aug. 16, 2018)
• City Talk: Sale of public buildings changing character of Historic District (SMN, Sept. 8, 2018)
• Savannah has second thoughts on building buyer after we question  his past violations (SMN, Oct. 9, 2018)

(29:13): What to make of recent developments with the Civic Center

• City determing Civic Center's future with help of public survey (SMN, Sept. 30, 2018)
• CIty Talk: Civic Center future now up to study, debate (SMN, Oct. 6, 2018)

(32:51): What to make of the "threatened" status placed on the Historic District

• National Park Service determines Savannah Historic District 'threatened' (SMN, Aug. 28, 2018)

(34:14): His reaction to his experience as Savannah City Manager

(37:38): His future in Savannah

• Savannah's city manager applies for position in Texas (SMN, June 14, 2018)
• Editorial: City manager at career crossroads (SMN, June 16, 2018)
• Savannah city manager doesn't get Florida job (SMN, Aug. 16, 2018)

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.