SLO’s top manager is leaving the city after 12 years. Here’s where he’s going
San Luis Obispo’s top administrator is leaving the city after 12 years to take on a larger role for the County of Marin.
According to a news release Thursday, City Manager Derek Johnson will leave SLO near the end of April to become Marin County’s chief executive officer.
In his new role, Johnson will lead an organization of over 2,500 employees and a budget approaching $1 billion, according to the release.
“SLO will always be in my heart and the opportunity to return to my hometown in this brand-new role was just a perfect fit for where I am professionally and personally at this stage of life,” Johnson, who grew up in Marin County, said in the release. “That does not mean it was an easy decision. I am so proud of what our city team has accomplished and the sense of teamwork that has been created, among our City Council, city staff and the community.”
Departing manager helped secure finances, new development, city says
Johnson joined the city in 2011 as community development director, most notably helping to update San Luis Obispo’s land-use plans to to address housing and economic needs, according to the release.
After taking on the role of city manager in 2017, Johnson led a staff of more than 400 employees and a total budget of about $240 million, according to the release.
During his tenure with the city, Johnson worked to help secure the city’s long-term financial stability, according to the release, which included crafting a Fiscal Health Response Plan “improving the efficiency of city operations, renegotiating labor agreements, decreasing the City’s pension debt, and bringing in significant new sources of revenue.”
This helped spur major infrastructure developments in the city like the formation of the downtown cultural arts district, new Mission Plaza facilities, bike and pedestrian safety improvements and new parks and trails, according to the release.
Other priorities during his time with the city have been securing funding for supportive housing; establishing San Luis Obispo’s first homelessness response strategic plan; and creating new positions “to lead diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and communication and engagement efforts,” the release said
“The City Council provided the roadmap by setting clear, ambitious goals,” Johnson said. “They also allowed me the flexibility to innovate and lead, which has translated into a culture of innovation and getting things done among city staff.”
What’s up next for the city?
Mayor Erica A. Stewart said the city will create a transition plan to ensure that it continues progress on its key goals and priorities through Johnson’s departure.
“We are thankful for Derek’s leadership at the city,” she said in the release. “Derek’s guidance and fiscal responsibility leaves behind a city in good financial health with a talented team, who are prepared to carry on the important work of the city.”
She added the city and council “are looking forward to working with staff to develop an interim plan as well as a strategy to fill the city manager position long term.”
The City Council is expected to meet in an as-yet-unscheduled closed session to discuss interim appointments and recruitment plans, according to the release.
The city will provide more information as it becomes available.
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