On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, the Lake Elsinore City Manager, Grant Yates, submitted a letter of resignation to the City Council announcing his retirement from the City of Lake Elsinore in February 2021.
Grant Yates was appointed to serve as City Manager by the City Council in November of 2012. He has more than 34 years of local government experience including many years of public service in the cites of Carlsbad and Temecula.
“We are forever grateful to Mr. Yates for his commitment, leadership and service to ensure the City of Lake Elsinore is in a much better place than when he joined us eight years ago,” said Mayor Bob Magee. “He has established an amazing team and a legacy of excellence that has set the framework for ongoing, future success as we remain united in our efforts to create a world-class city.”
In his letter to the City Council, Mr. Yates stated that serving the Council and the residents of Lake Elsinore for the past eight years has been an honor and privilege and the highlight of his career. He went on to mention that he is very proud of the organization and the talented team of professionals that work tirelessly every day to improve the quality of life for the residents of Lake Elsinore.
Under his leadership, the City has successfully navigated several unique crisis situations, such as the Holy Fire and the Super Bloom, and countless achievements toward its pursuit to become the ultimate lake destination where all can live, work, and play, build futures and fulfill dreams.
Notable projects during his years of service include the City’s first full scale youth recreation park, Rosetta Canyon Sports Park; the complete rehabilitation of the City’s campground, Launch Pointe Recreation Destination & RV Park; the approval and start of construction on the long-awaited I-15 Railroad Canyon Road Interchange Project; the creation of the City’s first long-term strategic plan, Dream Extreme 2040 Plan; and the successful passage of a transaction and use tax, Measure Z.
Equally important, the City has been able to maintain a track record of success in its ability to regularly deliver on the promises and needs of its residents such as continually improving and expanding local roadways, establishing long-term fiscal sustainability, addressing homelessness, creating great parks and public amenities, and establishing the City as the destination for investment and development in Southwest Riverside County.
At this time, no decision has been made for Mr. Yates’ replacement. The City Council intends to meet at a future date to discuss next steps and ongoing management of the organization.
“On behalf of my colleagues and I, we want to thank Mr. Yates for his professionalism and care for our community,” said Mayor Bob Magee. “While he will be greatly missed, we hope he will enjoy a long and joyous retirement with his wife and family.”