Santa Cruz City Manager Martin Bernal is retiring after a 24-year career with the city. He notified the City Council of his decision last week.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Santa Cruz over the past 10 years as city manager and (for) my 24 years at the city,” Bernal said in a statement. “During that time, with the collaboration of many dedicated elected leaders and staff, we have weathered the Great Recession and responded to a global pandemic. Our shared legacy will be one of resiliency in the City of Santa Cruz.”
Bernal is Santa Cruz’s first Latino city manager. He earned his bachelor’s degree in urban planning and urban studies from Stanford University and his master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Texas. Previously, he served as assistant city manager in Mountain View and as the senior executive assistant to the city manager in San Jose.
Bernal will stay on as city manager pending a nationwide search for his replacement.