Jim Schutz will end his eight-year run as San Rafael City Manager this July. Schutz announced his retirement last month.
“Being San Rafael’s City Manager is the highlight of my career and I had huge goals regarding external community projects and internal organizational evolution, and I’ve been so fortunate to have achieved those goals. I dearly love San Rafael and consider it my adopted hometown and the real hometown of my children who my wife and I raised here,” Schutz said.
He has been with the city for 16 years and spent half of that time as the top administrator. In a press release, he listed the following among his top accomplishments:
- Led the City through both the Great Recession and the COVID-19 Pandemic and addressed the associated financial challenges, new service delivery methods, community and employee safety, etc.
- Implemented a decades-long goal of modern public facilities including a new downtown Public Safety Center and an additional four new or modernized fire stations. Also, assisted in the creation of the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority.
- Successfully completed a huge array of major capital projects such as the multi-modal improvements along Francisco Boulevard East (including the new Grand Avenue Bridge) and Francisco Boulevard West; reconstruction of major intersections, arterials, and bridges; playground reconstructions; multi-use paths; infrastructure improvements; SMART Quiet Zones; etc.
- Played a leadership role in reimagining the City’s internal workplace culture change effort though the creation of the statewide award-winning, “Together San Rafael” that focuses on how City staff partner with the community to deliver services.
- Worked effectively with three Mayors and 15 City Councilmembers to implement City Council policy. As City Manager, was successful in securing many millions of dollars in state and federal grants for San Rafael and four voter-approved ballot measures.
Schutz “has always delivered the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and solid analysis while staying calm, upbeat, and optimistic even during the most difficult times,” said Mayor Kate Colin.
The city will conduct a national recruitment drive to secure Schutz’s replacement.
Image Credit: City of San Rafael