Politics & Government
Santa Cruz Manager Martín Bernal Announces Planned Retirement
Bernal shared his intent with the City Council in closed session of the February 23 City Council meeting.
February 24, 2021
Santa Cruz – City Manager Martín Bernal announced today that he intends to retire at the end of July, after 24 years of service with the City of Santa Cruz and more than 30 years in public service. Bernal was the first Latino city manager appointed in Santa Cruz, and one of the few Latino city managers appointed statewide.
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Bernal shared his intent with the City Council in closed session of the Feb. 23, 2021, City Council meeting. He will remain in his position while the City Council conducts a national search for his replacement “to ensure a smooth, seamless transition,” he said.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Santa Cruz over the past 10 years as City Manager and my 24 years at the City. During that time, with the collaboration of many dedicated elected leaders and staff, we have weathered the Great Recession and responded to a global pandemic. Our shared legacy will be one of resiliency in the City of Santa Cruz,” Bernal said.
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Mayor Donna Meyers offered her thanks and congratulations about Bernal’s announcement. “City Manager Bernal has effectively led the City of Santa Cruz through a host of incredible challenges, particularly in the past year with the COVID-19 pandemic. The City Council is grateful for his dedicated service and congratulates him on his forthcoming retirement.”
Bernal received a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and urban studies from Stanford University before returning to his native Texas to earn a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Texas, Austin.
Before coming to Santa Cruz in 1997, Bernal served as assistant to the city manager in Mountain View for four years and was senior executive assistant to the city manager in San Jose after a stint there as an environmental specialist.
More information regarding the details of the City Manager recruitment process will be forthcoming at a future City Council meeting.
This press release was produced by the City of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
