Belvedere City Manager Craig Middleton has announced his decision to retire in June. Middleton will have served in the position just over five years. He has said that he hopes to complete a budget for the next fiscal year and prepare funding options for the important Protect Belvedere project before leaving the City.
“Belvedere is truly a wonderful place, and its people and their love for their community make it an exceptional place to serve,” said Middleton. “I have really treasured the opportunity to work here with a great Council and staff, and many dedicated volunteers.”
“Craig has been a wonderful City Manager, beloved and respected by staff and councilmembers alike,” said Mayor Sally Wilkinson. “We are sad to see him leave, grateful for the time he gave us, and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Middleton took over the City’s management in 2017 after serving 14 years as head of the Presidio Trust in San Francisco. He indicated at the time that he hoped to serve in Belvedere for five years before retiring. Under his management, the City improved its financial position; restructured its pension debt and pension-related policies; moved closer to undergrounding all of Belvedere’s utilities; developed a plan to protect roads, utilities and levees from earthquake and other risks; and worked to bring the new playground into fruition. The renovated playground is expected to open this spring.
“Craig came out of retirement five years ago to serve the City of Belvedere and has done so admirably,” said former Mayor and current Finance Committee Chair Bob McCaskill. “His expertise and depth of knowledge in public affairs has served us exceptionally well.”
The City Council plans to meet next week to determine next steps for hiring a new City Manager.