He lasted just over three years, which seems about the norm for a Davis City Manager. Dirk Brazil was hired in the fall of 2014 and announced via email to staff on Monday that his last day will be January 12, 2018.
In his email he said simply, “I am retiring.” And that, “I will spend the next 4 months working with the City Council and Leadership Team on a smooth transition to a new City Manager.”
The council scheduled a closed session item for Tuesday (tonight) in the evening to begin their discussions. Four months is an abbreviated time to do a city manager search, with the last few taking over six months.
In his email he said, “‘Why retire you ask? A variety of reasons – all of them fairly selfish, frankly – and none of which involve any of you. Since I became City Manager, every one of you has 
been helpful and supportive, making me look like I know what I am doing every single day.” He added, “I will always be grateful.”
Robb Davis sent the Vanguard a statement, as the city declined to put out a press release: “Over the last three years Dirk has successfully worked with the City Council and staff to move several key initiatives forward. He has brought in critical outside talent to 1) develop a high-quality fiscal model that creates greater transparency for our budgeting process; 2) analyze staff models for service delivery going forward; and 3) create Davis’ first housing first ‘Pathways’ program to move homeless individuals off the street into permanent housing.”
The mayor continued, “Dirk has also hired experienced leadership for our Parks and Human Resources Department. Dirk has worked closely with the Council to move forward a clear list of goals that guide our work.”
He added, “Dirk’s non-anxious approach to problem solving and solid relationships with many actors around the county has stood the City in good stead. I wish him the best as he launches into the next phase of his life.”
Previous city managers included Bill Emlen, who was in place from 2006 to 2010, and Steve Pinkerton from 2011 until early 2014.
The Vanguard will have additional information as it becomes available.
—David M. Greenwald reporting
Three years also has significance in terms of pension. Is there a cause and effect?
No idea.
I think it has more to do with the arrival of a grandchild. Sorry to see him go.
As someone who worked in the public sector for more than a quarter century, I’ll speculate that one day as he dressed for work, he realized that our time is finite and he still has things to do. The task of serving so many masters, even in the best situations is inevitably enervating. Good luck finding another CM as skilled as Mr Brazil.
I love the spectacle of people who don’t know s— speculating on a person’s private motivations.
Self love is important alright, Alan.
True
Thank you Dirk for your service to this community. I appreciated your authenticity and leadership as our City Manager.
Looking to the future, I think the City would benefit from another Local* serving at City Manager. Davis is a unique city. Choosing someone who understands the local ecosystem, the values of the town, as well as someone who already has deep relationships in various sectors would only help the city continue its forward movement. This is a strategic decision and something I’ll be advocating for as I think it’s critical to Davis’ future.
* I’d advocate for adding this as ONE of the factors… not the only factor to be taken into consideration.
Not just a local “factor”, but one that has, or appreciates, “institutional knowledge”… the last six -seven years has seen a severe ‘brain drain’ as to understanding of ‘history’ and knowledge (and appreciation) of the community… has come in three waves, the current one is playing out… am thinking we’ll soon be seeing an average/median tenure of City employees ~ 5-10 years…
CM’s have always had a ‘life expectancy’ of ~ 5 years… goes not only with the job, but personal goals…
Some have been longer… Reese and Meyer come to mind… others, much shorter, or towards the lower end…
That should be respected, by all…
The date of retirement comes at a “cost”… had he retired effective Dec 31, he’d get his first COLA opportunity under PERS, May 2019… the proposed date (thirteen days later) pushes that out one year, to May 2020.
Best wishes to Dirk on his next adventures. Your service to the city has been appreciated.