Press Releases
August 25, 2010 – City Manager Emlen to Leave Post to Take New Position
City of Davis City Manager Bill Emlen announced to the City Council that he has accepted a position as Director of Resource Management with Solano County. City Manager Emlen’s last day in Davis will be Friday, September 24. The City Council is currently looking at options for filling the position, both on an interim and a permanent basis.
Mr. Emlen has been with the city of Davis for over 13 years, since May of 1997. He started as a Principal Planner but was quickly promoted to Director of Community Development in 1998. He has served as City Manager since February of 2006.
During his tenure with the Community Development Department, Mr. Emlen has played a role in virtually every significant land use project that has come before the city, worked to craft and implement Measure J and oversaw the development and adoption of the city’s 2001 General Plan. As City Manager, he has reorganized city departments and function both to achieve cost savings and to better position the city to respond to the needs and goals of a 21st century community. Particular attention has been given to reviewing public safety services to ensure both efficiency and effectiveness and to diversifying the city’s economic base, including working with the Target development. He has also had to wrestle with significant budget cuts due to decreases in state funding and the overall economic downturn. Over the past three budget cycles, the General Fund has been reduced over $6.1 million through reductions and balancing measures. Likewise, since the 08-09 fiscal year, over 40 positions have been cut.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the city of Davis. This community is a special place. We have a phenomenal staff, a dedicated City Council and an involved and caring citizenry,” said Emlen in his announcement of his intent to take the new position. “Although I am saddened to leave while so many important issues are under discussion, I am very much looking forward to this new opportunity to serve Solano County.” The Director of Resource Management oversees Planning, Building and Safety, Public Works and Environmental Health for the county.
“Bill has served well as the City Manager and in his previous roles with the city. He is calm, thoughtful, and always professional. Bill has been able to seek resolution when there are multiple points of view and takes his role as public servant seriously. I am grateful for the service Bill has provided to our community and wish him the very best in this exciting new opportunity,” said Mayor Don Saylor. “The Council will be reviewing its options for a City Manager and will make a decision on how to proceed within the next couple of weeks.”
Mayor Pro Tem Joe Krovoza stated, “In my short time on the Council, Bill has shared tremendous insights informed by his broad and deep contributions to Davis. I am disappointed that we will lose his expertise. I know Bill has provided a foundation for successful future deliberations, and so we will benefit from his work for years to come. I am confident that our Council is up to the task of filling a very large pair of shoes.”
The City Manager reports directly to the City Council and has a salary of $158,700.
