City Manager Takes Job in Walnut Creek

San Rafael City Manager Ken Nordhoff will be leaving his position to take a job in Walnut Creek.

Nordhoff, 49, has been San Rafael's city manager since December 2005, according to Nancy Mackle, deputy city manager. He succeeds Gary Pokorny, who is retiring after four years as city manager and 10 years with the city of Walnut Creek. 

In announcing his resignation, Nordhoff said it has been a privilege to serve the people of San Rafael.

"I will of course miss people with whom I have worked, including San Rafael's wonderful and dedicated staff," Nordhoff said. "My 14 years of serving the San Rafael community have been extremely satisfying on many fronts."

San Rafael Mayor Al Boro said Nordhoff has accomplished a great deal in his tenure with San Rafael.

"He exemplified a management style of governmental transparency and great collaboration," Boro said.  "His words and actions created a sense of trust by all with whom he came in contact." 

Walnut Creek Mayor Sue Rainey said the city council was unanimous in their decision to hire Nordhoff, even though they are sad to see Pokorny go.

The city council had a number of top candidates to consider for the job, but liked what they saw in Nordhoff, Rainey said.

"Ken is extremely personable and has an excellent history, including a wealth of experience in economic development," Rainey said. She added that he has been active in regional issues on behalf of San Rafael and will "continue Walnut Creek's tradition of regional leadership." 

She explained that he is also committed to working with the community and plans to move from San Rafael to Walnut Creek.

The council will officially approve his contract at its September 21 meeting. 

Nordhoff will earn an annual salary of $220,000, and he will pay the entire "member" portion of 7 percent toward PERS retirement and contribute towards other benefits. This arrangement is in keeping with voluntary reductions in compensation recently adopted by the city's department directors. 

The agreement provides Nordhoff with a moving allowance of $6,000 and a housing assistant loan of up to $400,000 to purchase a home in Walnut Creek.

According to a city of San Rafael Website, Nordhoff earns $15,381 a month, or $184,572 annually

Nordhoff joined the San Rafael in 1996 as the administrative services director and became the assistant city manager in 1998. During his time as city manager, officials say he was instrumental in accomplishing many things, including:

• A comprehensive upgrade of the Northgate mall.
•  Finishing  the West End infrastructure improvements.  
•  Implementing economic vitality and recession action plans, using strategies to keep the city budget balanced during trying economic times.
• Completing community based projects, including Peacock Gap landscape improvements, changing Gerstle Park traffic operations and producing a critical facilities committee report focused on longstanding needs to upgrade essential public facilities. 

The San Rafael City Council will soon begin the process of finding and hiring a new city manager, Mackle said. She anticipates that the search could take several months. 

The council will discuss its procedure for hiring at its meeting at 8 p.m. Monday.