UFF Spotlight: Erica Broome 

Through Rock Hill Utilities, a municipally owned and operated combined utility system, the City of Rock Hill, provides electric, water and sewer service for the city and its surrounding areas. Erica has shared with us some of her experience as the revenue planning manager for the city. 

Could you share a project or initiative you're especially proud of?
One initiative that I’ve been working on and that’s really been at the forefront is leading the monitoring and management of all of our utility rates and funds for the City of Rock Hill. I oversee operation revenue across all of our utility services; that responsibility has allowed me to help develop a more strategic and transparent approach to rate setting and fund management. This includes conducting regular financial reviews of each utility, which is electric, water, sewer, stormwater, to ensure that rates are not only cost recovering, but that we’re also positioned for long-term sustainability. This has allowed me to work directly with all the departments at the city and support our ability to reinvest in things like infrastructure and deliver reliable service to the residents.

In your role aligning a city’s vision with its operational planning, what are ways you work to build public trust and approach fiscal transparency?
Transparency at the City of Rock Hill begins with clear communication and thoughtful planning. The city prioritizes presenting financial information in ways that are understandable to residents and other stakeholders. This involves not only sharing raw data but also explaining the rationale behind every decision. I collaborate closely with several departments to ensure that strategic initiatives are linked to our measurable outcomes. This approach allows residents to see how their tax dollars translate into real-world results. My own background outside of government has helped me appreciate the importance of transparency.

What are some unique challenges (and opportunities) you've faced when aligning community needs on one side with budget constraints and regulatory compliance?
A key challenge, but also an opportunity, is ensuring that our resource allocation reflects both fiscal responsibility and equity. Community needs evolve rather quickly at times, so we must respond in ways that are efficient but also inclusive. Balancing the cost of capital investment with affordability, especially in utilities and public infrastructure, is always top of mind and forefront for us. Working directly with Jimmy Bagley, our deputy city manager, gives me a broader view of how all operational departments here contribute to the city goals.

As a member of the Utility finance Forum Leadership committee, what has drawn you to this role and what have you gained from being part of this group?
I joined the Utility Finance Forum about nine months ago, and wanted to help shape conversations around some of the most pressing issues in public utilities -- namely, affordability, infrastructure investment, equity, and climate resilience. It’s been a great collaborative space where we can have webinars that identify subject matter experts and foster a network of professionals who are navigating similar challenges. Being part of the forum has really expanded my professional toolkit and reaffirmed the power of shared knowledge and diverse voices.

Erica’s favorite quotes are:
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." — Albert Schweitzer

"There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time" — Desmond Tutu