Elmhurst City Manager Retiring After 15 Years With City

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst City Manager Jim Grabowski is retiring this summer after serving at the city's helm for 15 years, the city announced Thursday.

Grabowski, who started in July 2011, is the city's third manager since 1953. The city did not give an exact date for Grabowski's departure.

In a news release, Mayor Scott Levin said the city would conduct a comprehensive search for Grabowski's successor. He said the search would involve "community engagement" opportunities.

"Jim has been an exceptional city manager and a trusted leader for Elmhurst," Levin said in a statement. "As we mark this milestone in his career, I want residents and businesses to know that this transition will be steady and well-managed. We have a strong leadership team in place, and the City Council and I will lead a thoughtful and transparent process to select Elmhurst’s next city manager."

The news release praised Grabowski, who has a three-decade career in local government, for his "calm, steady leadership style."

In a statement, Grabowski called his service as Elmhurst's city manager the greatest honor of his professional life.

"This community welcomed my family and me from day one, and Elmhurst truly became home as my wife, Kristin, and I raised our children here," he said.

Grabowski said he looked forward to spending more time with his family, taking part in triathlon races, hiking in national parks, golfing and traveling. He said he plans to remain in Elmhurst.

In its release, the city listed what it said were several accomplishments during Grabowski's tenure:

• Stormwater and sanitary sewer system improvements amounting to $45 million.
• Revitalization and expansion of Elmhurst's downtown and business districts, with historically low vacancy rates.
• Maintenance of the city's longtime AAA bond rating, leading to lower borrowing costs.
• Expanded public safety services, including summer Neighborhood Rolls Calls, improved emergency and medical response times for residents, and high ratings for the police and fire departments.
• Improved water services, including the public works department's WaterSmart and ZoneScan applications to help staff quickly identify water main breaks and enable residents to better monitor water use.