After a near six-year run, Coachella City Manager David Garcia says he’s decided to retire. Garcia made his announcement Wednesday and plans to formally step down at the beginning of next year.
Since November, there have been two closed-session meetings to discuss Garcia’s performance, but no reportable action was taken on the matter. His compensation has also been a subject of controversy.
Mayor Steven Hernandez thanked Garcia for his leadership and said the city was “in good shape.”
Garcia came to the city in 2010 with an extensive resume. From 2008 to 2010, he worked for the U.S. Department of State, helping to stabilize the new government in Iraq’s Babil Province. Before that, he had held top positions in Chula Vista; Corpus Christi, Texas; Yuma County, Arizona; and Phoenix, Arizona. He also formerly served as deputy administrator of the Los Angeles Redevelopment Agency.
Garcia is stepping down on Jan. 4. The City Council has appointed Finance Director Bill Pattison as interim city manager.