The City of Santa Rosa announced today the resignation of City Manager Sean McGlynn, effective May 29, 2021.

McGlynn has been the Santa Rosa City Manager since August 2014.

During his tenure, McGlynn was tasked with addressing the ongoing fiscal challenges of the organization including boosting economic development activity as well as guiding efforts to address Santa Rosa’s affordable housing shortages and rising homeless population. McGlynn also oversaw Santa Rosa’s transition to a fully district-represented Council, enhancements to the City’s emergency preparedness and response efforts, and implementation of efforts to begin work toward enhancing the diversity and inclusivity of the organization. McGlynn has been instrumental in leading the City’s recovery efforts following the devastating 2017 wildfires and has navigated the organization’s response through the dynamic impacts of the ongoing pandemic over the last year.

“Sean has been a steady hand during some of Santa Rosa’s most challenging times,” said Mayor Chris Rogers. “This community owes him a debt of gratitude – we have been well-served by his leadership and will be sad to see him go.”

McGlynn has accepted a City Manager position with the City of Escondido in southern California.

“It has been an absolute honor to serve Santa Rosa and collaborate with the City Council these past six-plus years. I want to thank this community and all of the Council members I have worked with during this time for allowing me the opportunity to serve them,” said City Manager Sean McGlynn.  “Additionally, I want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of City staff whose relentless dedication and commitment to the community have given me so much pride in my role as City Manager. I care deeply about Santa Rosa and will work very hard to ensure the best transition possible for this organization.”

The City Council will begin discussions on the plan for an interim City Manager and the process for choosing McGlynn’s permanent successor in closed session next Tuesday, April 6, 2021.