PRESS RELEASE - City Council to Discuss City Manager Transition

Special workshop meeting scheduled for July 27 where no action will be taken.

July 20, 2026 - PORT TOWNSEND – On Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:00pm Port Townsend City Council will hold a special workshop meeting to discuss the transition process for the City Manager staff position.

On Friday, July 17, City Manager John Mauro tendered his resignation upon accepting a parallel role at the City of Bainbridge Island. His final day as Port Townsend’s City Manager is scheduled for September 4. Prior to receiving his resignation, City Council scheduled the special meeting in order to be prepared for a potential City Manager transition, regardless of whether it be near-term or in the distant future. Council will openly discuss a general framework, options, and next steps with staff on hand to provide input and help answer questions. 

Under a Council-Manager form of government and according to state law, the City Manager is appointed by City Council and serves as chief executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for the preparation of the City’s workplan and annual budget, and enforcement and implementation of all laws, policies, and services of the City. The City Manager also directs, allocates,and organizes the City’s resources, staff, and operations; oversees the development and implementation of all policy and program initiatives in all City departments; and manages media, public and partner relations, and community engagement. The process of hiring a City Manager is a process directed by City Council.

Community members interested in the process are encouraged to attend this meeting to learn more.

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Reference the July 17, 2026, City of Port Townsend Press Release:  https://cityofpt.us/administration/page/press-release-port-townsend-city-manager-step-down-position-after-nearly-7-years
Learn more about the Council-Manager form of municipal government: https://icma.org/page/council-manager-form-government-resources