Berkeley City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley has announced her resignation after nine years on the job.
Williams-Ridley will stay on until July 10, after which the city council will consider appointing an interim city manager before hiring a permanent replacement.
She thanked city employees and her senior leadership team in a written statement and said she was grateful for the support she received from Mayor Jesse Arreguín, the city council and “all elected officials” during her tenure.
“As I prepare to move on to new professional challenges and opportunities in my next position, I remain committed to a smooth transition of leadership, and will no doubt miss the tremendous collaboration between the Berkeley Community, Council, staff, and various external partners that has been vital to our achieving an unparalleled standard of excellence for this organization,” she said.
She didn’t say why she is resigning, if she had a new job lined up or what her plans are for the immediate future.
Arreguín praised Williams-Ridley’s leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Her leadership during COVID helped save thousands of lives and protected our businesses and residents from displacement. Through it all, she has led with great skill, compassion, and vision,” Arreguín said in a written statement that was released alongside Williams-Ridley’s.
Her resignation comes on the heels of some high-profile departures from Berkeley’s city government.
Former City Councilmember Kate Harrison resigned in January shortly after Councilmember Rigel Robinson also quit his office.
Robinson cited stress and exhaustion due in part to harassment and threats that he said had impacted his family.
