Sausalito City Manager Elaine Forbes has resigned after her arrest in July, and an interim manager has been appointed.
“Our hearts are with Elaine and her family, and we stand behind her as she takes this time to focus on her health and healing,” Mayor Steven Woodside said Friday in a statement after a closed City Council session on Tuesday.
Forbes had been on a leave of absence since her arrest on suspicion of burglary July 18 at the Sausalito Yacht Harbor, less than three weeks after she was appointed city manager. A spokesperson for the Forbes family had said she was experiencing a mental health crisis.
“I want to thank the people of Sausalito for your sympathy and for your patience during this time,” Woodside said. “This was an extremely sensitive matter, and I am grateful for the respect and compassion you have shown to Elaine and her family. It is very much appreciated.”
The mayor said the City Council appointed Acting City Manager Brandon Phipps as interim city manager for a six-month period.
“Given the fact that we are in an election season and there perhaps will be some change in council going forward in the next year, it is anticipated that there will be a recruitment, and we would hope that Mr. Phipps would be a candidate,” he said.
Phipps has served as community and economic development director since October 2022 and was promoted to assistant city manager on July 1.