Person of the Week: Ryan Liddy

Ryan Liddy, Tipp City Council President

The Tippecanoe Gazette recently asked Ryan Liddy, Council President and private attorney, to share his thoughts on Tipp City and his personal life.

The following is the response to our questions:

Could you give us a summary of your position on Council, the major issues/projects you have been involved in, and you and the Council’s most significant accomplishments?

I currently serve as President of Tipp City Council. In this role, I interact with the City Manager, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the city. I also work closely with the City Manager in developing the agenda for each Council meeting and helping ensure that Council remains focused on the priorities and needs of our community.

One of the major projects I have been involved with is the acquisition and development of Tipp City Plaza, including the current construction of Chipotle and the development of “Long Property” located on the corner of Main and Co. Rd. 25a. Most recently, approximately 17 acres of the Long Property were just placed under an option contract with Meijer for the development of a Meijer Supercenter, which represents a significant opportunity for future economic growth and development in Tipp City.

Tipp City Council has also made it a priority to ensure that the city continues to invest in infrastructure, particularly through our resurfacing program. This includes alley resurfacing throughout the city, which has been an annual project over the past several years. I view maintaining and improving our existing infrastructure as an important responsibility of Council and a key part of preserving the quality of life in Tipp City.

Why did you decide to become a Council member?

I decided to become a City Council member because, as a father of three children being raised in this community, I care deeply about its future. I want to help preserve the charm, character, and sense of community that have made Tipp so appealing to the previous generations.

I also believe local governments have a responsibility to be good stewards for our residents’ tax dollars. My goal was and remains to help ensure Tipp City continues to be a great place to live, raise a family, and build a future, without placing an unnecessary tax burden on residents.

How many years have you been on the Council, and how long have you served as president?

My first term on City Council began in January 2021, and I began my second term in January 2025. I was also elected to serve as President of Council for the first time in January 2025.

What’s it like to serve as President? What are the pluses and minuses?

As President of City Council, my job is to manage our meetings effectively, ensuring that we follow the agenda, conduct the city’s business efficiently, and, just as importantly, make certain our community has a meaningful opportunity to be heard. The biggest plus is certainly the opportunity to communicate with our residents and advocate on their behalf. The biggest challenge is simply the time commitment required to be an effective City Council member. The role requires time away from my family, but fortunately, they have supported me throughout my entire tenure. 

What’s the most difficult part(s) of being on Council?

One of the most difficult parts of serving on Council is finding the right balance between growth and preserving the character of our community. We need to develop our community in a thoughtful and conscious way that does not disrupt the character that makes our community special. I always say that while growth is good, controlled growth is better.

For example, I helped lead the effort to place a moratorium on the development of weed shops while also encouraging established businesses like Abbott and Meijer to expand. I see it as the City Council's job to provide the opportunity for the intentional growth we need to maintain the level of service our residents have come to expect.

Are there any specific goals you hope to accomplish while on the Council?

I believe the development of Tipp Plaza and the Long Property are clear goals I hope to accomplish. Beyond those projects, I want to expand and improve our parks, including revitalizing areas like Pin High and the batting cages at Kyle Park. I also want to work collaboratively with our schools to find the best path forward for the proper use of Broadway.

Is Tipp City headed in the right direction (please explain)? Any changes needed?

Yes, I believe Tipp City is generally headed in the right direction. We have been able to maintain a relatively low tax rate while still providing excellent services to our residents and attracting talented individuals, such as our new City Manager, Erik Mack.

If the option contract with Meijer moves forward, I believe we have a fantastic opportunity to develop that area thoughtfully in a way that fits the character of our community while also strengthening our tax base.

That said, I do believe there are areas where we need a course correction. We need to take a closer look at the growing cost of the Fire Department and ensure it is sustainable long-term. I also believe the Government Center should return to being open five days a week to provide better accessibility and service to our residents.

Tell us about your personal life, as much as you want to share.

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

I was born in Dayton, and grew up in Troy on Piqua-Troy Rd.

Where did you go to high school? College?

I went to Miami East for high school and graduated in 2005. I got my bachelor’s degree from Franklin University, which I earned while working full-time at a fire department in Eastern Ohio. Following that, I graduated from Capital Law School in 2018 and have been a practicing attorney ever since.

What kind of law do you practice? Does your law background help when serving on City Council?

As an attorney with Dungan & Lefevre Co., L.P.A., my practice focuses primarily on transactional work. I represent corporate clients, handle real estate matters, assist individuals with estate planning, and guide families through the probate process.

I believe my legal background has made me a more practical council member. As an attorney, I am always trying to develop solutions to difficult problems. Those skills translate directly to the work of Council, where we regularly face challenging issues that require thoughtful discussion, careful consideration, and practical solutions for our community.

Anything in particular that affected your perspective on life?

My time in the United States Marine Corps instilled in me a strong commitment to service and the belief that we all have a responsibility to contribute to something greater than ourselves. It also strengthened my faith and my belief that God has a path for each of us, even when we may not always understand where that path is leading.

Tell us about your family.

I have three beautiful daughters, Scarlett (10), Daphne (4), and Vivian (1) and a truly remarkable wife, Brooke. Brooke has made the selfless decision to step away from her career as a teacher to devote herself to raising our daughters and creating a loving, God-centered home where they can grow into compassionate, responsible young ladies. The four incredible ladies in my life continually remind me why service, faith, and building a strong community matter so much.

Thank you, Ryan, for telling us what it’s like being a member of Tipp City Council, and about you and your family!