Carlsbad City Manager Resigns After Being Appointed Position in March

Carlsbad City Manager John W. Coates announced Wednesday that he is resigning.

Coates joined the City of Carlsbad Jan. 4, 2010, as director of the Parks & Recreation Department and was named assistant city manager July 19 that same year.  He was named interim city manager last October, and the City Council appointed him city manager in March.

“This has been one of the most exciting professional challenges of my career,” said Coates.  “The City Council laid out a very ambitious 12 month agenda, and I am proud of the work we did together.  Now is an ideal time for the city to consider its future needs while I prepare for my next professional adventure.”

City of Carlsbad Fire Chief Kevin Crawford has been appointed by the City Council to serve as interim city manager.  Following its annual goal setting session in January, the City Council will develop a strategy for filling the position long-term.

Coates helped with the consolidation of city departments and creation of more cross functional teams that resulted in a $1 million annual savings to Carlsbad taxpayers.  Coates also oversaw the creation of a new technology plan for the city, the construction launch for the largest desalination plant in the western hemisphere, and the development of the city’s most environmentally and economically sustainable park.  During his tenure, the city also became the first in the region to implement a “pay for performance” plan for city employees, creating a more business-like approach to employee compensation.

–Information taken for the City of Carlsbad website