City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the appointment of Eli Niyihakuye to director of central permit office. Niyihakuye will be responsible for the direction and coordination of activities. In this role, he will help residents and businesses successfully request permission for different types of projects. This includes oversight on permitting, licensing, and plan review procedures to ensure properties in the city meet requirements for maintenance and safety.

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Niyihakuye previously was a senior project manager, providing direct oversight and responsibility for online intake and plan review for permits. His work involved the design and implementation of digital tools and services to increase accessibility and improve efficiency for various types of permits, enhancing the overall application experience for both constituents and internal staff.

Prior to working for city government, Niyihakuye served as an IRS certified preparer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. He provided free tax return preparation to eligible taxpayers and offered interpreting services to customers. He also worked as a bank teller at First Niagara Bank.

Niyihakuye earned his bachelor of science degree in management and leadership from the Madden School of Business at Le Moyne College. He is fluent in three languages including English, Kirundi, and Swahili.

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