The City Council has selected Ronald Walker as Colfax’s next city manager. Walker is currently the director of public works in the City of Live Oak where he has served for nearly twelve years.

Walker will take over for Interim City Manager Mike Luken in January. Luken, who has served as interim city manager since July, will return to his consulting business.

“Ronald Walker is a dynamic leader with a tested and proven track record of public service,” said Mayor Trinity Burruss, who with Mayor Pro-Tem Kim Douglass led the search effort on behalf of the City Council.   “Ronald has distinguished himself among a field of outstanding candidates and is truly the right person at the right time to lead Colfax into the next era of repair of our aging infrastructure systems, protection of our community from the dangers of severe winters and threat of forest fire.”

Walker brings to Colfax extensive infrastructure management experience in local, state, and special districts. As director of public works in Live Oak, he manages the City’s roads, wastewater and water systems with a public works budget in excess of $9.9 million and led the City to rebuild its infrastructure systems, while improving the quality of life for a small residential community and supporting local businesses in a rejuvenated State Highway 99 Corridor.  Walker previously served as general manager for the Forestville Water District, chief plant operator for the CalFire Konocti Fire Camp in Lower Lake, CA, and the chief plant operator for the Pfeiffer-Big Sure State Park for the California Parks System.

“I am deeply honored and grateful that the City Council selected me to serve as the next city manager”, Walker said.  “I am fully committed to fostering collaboration with community members, elected officials, and the dedicated City staff to build a prosperous community through transparency and active stakeholder involvement. Together, we will build a robust and thriving community for everyone.”

“Colfax is a dynamic small City in Placer poised for revitalization of its downtown business district,” Mayor Pro-Tem Kim Douglass said. “Ronald Walker’s leadership and experience will be key to helping our City prosper, and I look forward to working with him to make great things happen in Colfax.”

Walker holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Public Policy from Southern New Hampshire University.