Novato City Manager Michael Frank Announces Resignation

The City of Novato Announces:

Today, Novato City Manager Michael Frank announced that he has decided to leave his position at the end of the year to explore new opportunities. In a statement issued today, Frank stated:

“It has been an honor to serve as your City Manager and be a part of this extraordinary community. For more than six years, I have lived and breathed Novato—day-in and day-out—and have a deep place in my heart for our beautiful City and for the meaningful relationships and friendships that have developed as a result.”

“I have had the privilege of assembling, leading, and working alongside a caring, smart, and innovative team of staff and a dedicated, hard-working Council committed to serving the best interests of our community. We have made tremendous progress together—as we successfully emerged from the devastating effects of the Great Recession, with grace, agility and resilience—and now have the tools in place to define our destiny.”

“I will remain living in the area with my husband and daughter, spending more time hiking Mt. Burdell, and am excited to explore new challenges and pursue opportunities to continue to serve the community.”

“Our community’s needs have always come first and I know, despite my departure, the Council, our staff, strong executive team will continue to demonstrate that commitment and keep an eye to the future for a stronger Novato.”

The City Council appointed Frank as City Manager on May 18, 2009. Frank was responsible for overseeing the City’s $61 million annual budget, which includes a more than $13 million Capital Improvement Program.

Frank joined the City during the Great Recession and facilitated the Council through a series of financial cuts, service level reductions, and realigned the organization. Frank’s financial experience and leadership were critical for the Council and community to gain a deeper understanding of Novato’s fiscal realities and options. A key component in this effort, was Frank’s leadership in the development of a long-term fiscal and organizational sustainability plan and the upcoming extension of a revenue measure.

During his tenure, Frank re-established a robust citywide economic development program that had ceased when the State eliminated the City’s redevelopment agency and funding, created the City’s first communication and community engagement program, completed numerous environmental initiatives including numerous solar installations and conversion of all streetlights to LED, added 140 acres to City open space, jump-started development of City-owned properties and historic buildings in Hamilton, facilitated the opening of the Hamilton Pool, Bay Trail, and Community Gym with numerous partners, founded an initiative to attract bio-tech to the region, was the catalyst for the community-oriented Police Novato Response Team, and was the force behind the construction of the City’s Administrative Offices to provide a long-term home for the City’s operations.

The City Council will schedule a special session to consider next steps for filling the position vacancy.