After a 38-year career in city management, including the last 13 as city manager of Marina, Layne Long will retire on July 17.
Long announced his decision during the Marina City Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the community and our city council,” Long said. “I couldn’t have picked a better community to serve and work with. I’m sad to leave, but I’m looking forward to spending much more time with my wife, my kids and my grandkids. It’s the right time to do that.”
Long, who holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in public administration from Brigham Young University, was previously a city manager in Utah before the City of Marina hired him in 2013.
During his tenure, Marina has grown as it continues to transform itself after the 1994 closure of Fort Ord. Over the past dozen-plus years, the city has seen large-scale housing and commercial developments, including the Dunes at Monterey Bay and Sea Haven, along with Joby Aviation, a manufacturer of electric air taxis, setting up shop at the Marina Municipal Airport.
More projects are in the works, including a major recreation and aquatics center, various new and expanded parks, and plans to revitalize the downtown corridor.
“He came here for his love of life and love of helping communities,” Mayor Bruce Delgado said, noting that Long is an active leader in his church. “When he’s not working his tail off for the city, he’s spending his off time helping people as far south as South County. No one has ever questioned Layne’s kindness and integrity.”
The city council is expected to select a recruitment firm to begin a search for the next city manager in the coming weeks.