Napa City Manager Announces Retirement

NAPA, CA – Napa City Manager Mike Parness announced Thursday his plans to retire, effective July 24. Parness has served the city of Napa for more than 11 years and had hoped to serve through the rest of 2018 but he needs to have another knee surgery and delaying the procedure is not an option, city Spokeswoman Jaina French said in a news release.

Parness said his decision to leave the position was made "with mixed emotions."

"I still enjoy the challenges, the opportunities and the personal satisfaction that comes with the job," Parness said. "Napa has afforded me the opportunity to serve in a world-class city with outstanding staff and a supportive, visionary city council."

Parness said he is proud of the progress city has made. The city's economic position is strong and stable, key leadership positions are filled with talented and dedicated people, and the talent residing within all departments is deep and focused on shared values and the promise of a bright future for the city, he said.

"The city council has earned the respect and support of the community," Parness said. "Their leadership and hard work has served as the foundation for what is commonly referred to as the renaissance of modern Napa. And the best is yet to come. I will always appreciate their unwavering support and the sense of teamwork they modeled from the top of the organization."

French pointed out that during his tenure here in Napa, Parness has been instrumental in a host of important projects, initiatives and improvements, including but not limited to: the revival of Napa’s downtown; the expedited financial recovery after the economic downturn, which included a major budget overhaul with updated fiscal policies, council priorities and performance measures; the expansion of public event space, with the Oxbow Commons at the heart; the launch of the 10-mile Paving Program and Sidewalk Repair and Replacement Program; the construction of both Fire Stations No. 4 and No. 5; the expansion and upgrade of the Edward I. Barwick Jamieson Canyon Water Treatment Plant; the additions of Trancas Crossing Park, China Point Overlook Park, Third Street Overlook Park, and the renewal of Veterans Park; the introduction of Measure T.

There has also been no shortage of natural disasters – and Parness’ steady leadership has guided the city through these difficult times many times over, French said.

Parness, a native Californian, has nearly 40 years of experience as a professional municipal manager. He served the communities of Walnut Creek and San Clemente in California, and Renton in Washington state, before coming to the city of Napa in 2006.

"At a young age, Parness knew public service was in his future – and his genes," French said."His father was the city manager in Livermore for 22 years – which led to his own pursuit of a degree in political science, and a master’s degree in Public Administration."

Parness plans to retire in Oregon with his wife Deanna. He looks forward to spending more time with his adult children, Robbie and Danny, and enjoying more rounds on the golf course.

Napa City Council is saddened but grateful about Parness' departure, said Mayor Jill Techel.

"... He provided leadership through challenging times and multiple disasters, as well as established financial stability in our City and community," Techel said. "We want to express our gratitude for his steadfast leadership, building a strong workforce of talented and committed employees, and the great working relationships he fostered."

The city council is looking to appoint an interim city manager as soon as possible, French said.

"Over the next few weeks, the council will work through the process quickly so that a replacement will be appointed and in place by the time Parness retires, making the transition as seamless as possible," French said. "An announcement of the interim appointment will be forthcoming."

Photo via City of Napa