Hesperia City Manager Mike Podegracz will step down before the end of the year, concluding more than a decade of service for the High Desert city. Podegracz offered the surprise resignation in a closed session with council members last week, saying he has decided to retire from local government.
“I’m proud of what the city of Hesperia has accomplished during my time as city manager,” Podegracz said in a statement. “I am honored to have been part of the team that shaped Hesperia into the city it is today.”
Podegracz has worked for Hesperia for the past 15 years and has served as city manager for the past decade. During that time he helped lead the city through fiscal hardship and saw the completion of key projects, including the Ranchero Road Underpass and Interchange, the Wal-mart and High Desert Gateway shopping centers, and the securing of $30 million in permanent water rights from Rancho Las Flores.
“Mike is a dedicated manager who led the city through a devastating economic recession,” Mayor Eric Schmidt said. “My fellow council members and I appreciate the leadership and commitment he has shown to Hesperia during his tenure and wish him every success in the future.”
Podegracz has agreed to stay on until a new city manager is selected. He expects to step down some time in November.
Read more about Podegracz’s announcement here.
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