Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton retiring after 4 years in powerful position

PHOENIX – City Manager Jeff Barton is retiring after four years as Phoenix’s top unelected official, the city announced Friday.

Barton has worked for Arizona’s largest city since 1999, when he came on as an internal auditor.

He went on to serve in a variety of roles — including budget and research director, deputy city manager and assistant city manager – before being elevated to the Phoenix city manager job in October 2021.

Mayor Kate Gallego thanked Barton for his service to the city.

“One of the sharpest financial minds I know, he has helped navigate incredible challenges, including the uncertainties of COVID-19, and ensured strong economic footing in a time of great change and opportunity,” Gallego said in a statement. “Jeff has delivered important investments for our city’s future, such as the voter-approved General Obligation Bond program that will bolster critical infrastructure, support public safety and improve residents’ quality of life for generations to come.”

One of the last major decisions Barton made came in July of this year, when he selected Matt Giordano as the Phoenix Police Department’s first permanent chief since 2022.

“I want to thank the mayor and council for their confidence in providing me this opportunity to serve the people of Phoenix,” Barton said in a press release. “It has been a privilege to work alongside the hardest working public service professionals in the country, whose dedication and commitment have been the cornerstone of our success towards building the Phoenix of tomorrow.”

How will next Phoenix city manager be selected?

City manager is the only Phoenix government job hired directly by the City Council. The position manages the city’s day-to-day operations and provides policy advice to the elected councilmembers.

Phoenix is the nation’s largest city with a council-manager form of government. The city manager oversees 14,500 employees and a $7.2 billion annual budget.

Discussions about hiring Barton’s replacement will begin in the coming weeks.

“His departure marks a significant transition for our city this fall, and there’s no doubt he leaves behind big shoes to fill,” Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington said in a statement. “Jeff’s leadership has set a high bar for those who follow, and I look forward to working with my fellow councilmembers to hire the right person to fill those shoes.”

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