What to know about Phoenix, Arizona, the 5th largest city in the US
Phoenix, Arizona’s capital, is the fifth largest city in the U.S. and a destination for world-class resorts, spring training and award-winning restaurants.
The Republic
Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton is stepping down from his role to retire in November, the city announced on Aug. 15.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the hardest working public service professionals in the country, whose dedication and commitment have been the cornerstone of our success towards building the Phoenix of tomorrow,” Barton said in a news release.
Barton’s departure on Nov. 14 will conclude a more than 25-year career with the city and caps off a four-year stint as its first African American chief executive.
He was hired as an internal auditor in 1999 before taking on leadership positions of increasing authority, including budget and research director, deputy city manager and assistant city manager.
“Although I am sad to see him leave, I must congratulate City Manager Jeff Barton on his upcoming retirement after nearly three decades of service to the residents of Phoenix,” Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington said in the news release.
Other elected leaders and city staff credited Barton for “his outstanding service and leadership,” noting that he shepherded initiatives that helped shape the city’s significant growth and development in recent years.
“Jeff has delivered important investments for our city’s future, such as the voter-approved General Obligation Bond program that will bolster critical infrastructure, support public safety, and improve residents’ quality of life for generations to come,” Mayor Kate Gallego said in the news release.
They also touted his leadership by navigating the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and the Police Department through a yearslong Department of Justice investigation.
“He also had the foresight to purchase the building at 100 West Washington, which is already proving to be one of the best police department headquarters in the country,” Councilmember Kevin Robinson stated in a separate news release.
In the coming weeks, Phoenix leaders will discuss the hiring process to select Barton’s replacement.
“I want to thank the Mayor and Council for their confidence in providing me this opportunity to serve the people of Phoenix,” Barton said.
Shawn Raymundo covers Phoenix and Scottsdale. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami.