San Rafael city supervisor to retire in July

Longtime San Rafael Metropolis Supervisor Jim Schutz suggests he programs to retire efficient July 1.

Schutz, 54, took the major administrative role in 2015 soon after 8 yrs as assistant town supervisor. At retirement, he will have used 8 decades as city supervisor and additional than 16 many years total in San Rafael.

Schutz explained he made the decision in the summer months of 2021 that he would retire in two years.

“I required to see the metropolis by way of to the other facet of the pandemic,” Schutz said, “although we have not emerged solely.”

“Also, that would give me 8 yrs as metropolis manager, which I imagined was a superior operate,” he stated.

Schutz has a master’s degree in town and regional organizing from California Polytechnic Condition College in San Luis Obispo and a bachelor’s diploma in environmental experiments and town arranging from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has a sustainable practices certification from the organization school at Dominican College of California in San Rafael.

Under his tenure, Schutz has led the city by way of each the Wonderful Economic downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic labored to get the city’s public basic safety heart funded and constructed via a voter-accredited evaluate and concluded several cash enhancement projects, together with the new Grand Avenue Bridge.

“Once arriving in San Rafael, I hardly ever seemed at yet another possibility,” he reported. “This is the spot I selected to make the most crucial section of my job, to make it a hometown for my young ones and family members. I have a deep affection for San Rafael and I am so honored to have been equipped to invest around 16 many years in this article.”

In addition to the Terrific Recession and the pandemic, the town has faced other difficulties and criticisms in excess of its homelessness attempts and a violent arrest that injured a male in the Canal spot this summer months. Two officers have been placed on go away pending investigations.

“There are usually challenges,” Schutz said. “Homelessness, racial fairness problems, climate modify, these are massive nationwide issues that we’re hoping to have a good effects on at the neighborhood degree. It’s pretty complicated, which can make the do the job so meaningful.”

By contract, Schutz is essential to give a 6-months’ see, but he is providing 8 to support relieve the transition, he said. City officers will soon commence a nationwide search to come across a successor.

Schutz has an yearly income of $273,072.

“Jim has been an extraordinary metropolis supervisor and a chief,” claimed Mayor Kate Colin, noting that he created a work lifestyle that motivated impressive function by the staff.

“He also has a exceptional skill to genuinely join and have interaction with the community,” Colin said.

Joanne Webster, chief government officer of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, agreed.

“He’s been extremely responsive to the organization local community, and has experienced the potential to make quick choices that impacted us all in a incredibly constructive way,” Webster mentioned, pointing to the city’s outdoor eating program as an instance. “Over the many years, I have gotten to know him as a human being, also, and he is a amazing human being who has integrity and is authentic.”

Schutz reported he is seeking ahead to creating in his retirement as properly as instructing and coaching. He claimed he enjoys volunteering as a guest lecturer at faculties to give talks about public administration.

“I’d appreciate to do extra of that,” he reported. “Now is a excellent time to take a look at other factors.”

Colin claimed that though the town will embark on a nationwide research to discover a replacement, Schutz has built an excellent staff members.

“I’m hopeful to have an inside candidate compete for the occupation,” Colin reported.