Palm Springs City Manager Announces Resignation

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Palm Springs City Manager Justin Clifton announced Monday that he is resigning from his post. His last day will be Sept. 16.

In a Monday morning email to city staff, Clifton said he will work toward a seamless transition.

"I feel good about the work we have done together the last 15 months. There are numerous important initiatives and projects that I look forward to seeing you complete. I’ve loved seeing numerous teams lean-in to building great workplace culture and know that you will continue that journey beyond my transition. I also feel good that there is a very strong administrative team in place to continue to steer the organization forward. I will work hard in the coming weeks to prepare for a seamless transition," he wrote.

Clifton said the decision to resign was difficult, but it was the right thing for him and his family. The City Council will soon begin the process of identifying his replacement.

"Our process will be thorough, fair and will involve public input," said Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton.

It's not immediately clear what prompted Clifton's resignation, and he did not publicly disclose where he might be going after he departs in September.

Clifton began his stint with the city in April 2021 after serving six years as city manager for Sedona, Ariz. He came to Palm Springs to replace longtime City Manager David Ready, who announced his retirement from the city's top post that he had held for more than 20 years.

“On behalf of the Palm Springs City Council, I thank Justin Clifton for his service to the City of Palm Springs, our residents, businesses and visitors," Middleton said. "Justin has been a strong and thoughtful leader. During his service we have weathered a remarkable series of challenges. In each of the challenges, he has shown a clear ability to engage with residents, staff and Council. We appreciate his need to move forward with a new opportunity."