AURORA, Colo. — Aurora City Manager Jim Twombly announced on Friday that he will retire in April.
Twombly was appointed by the Aurora City Council in 2018. His retirement on April 7 will mark the end of a 42-year career in city administration. In a letter to Aurora employees, he said part of his reason to retire was to spend more time with family.
“I have six grandchildren, none of whom are in Colorado, who are very involved in school and sports activities, and I want to be able to be more present for them,” Twombly said in the letter Friday. “I thoroughly enjoy my work for the city of Aurora and appreciate the professionalism and dedication you demonstrate every day."
Last year, Twombly was part of the decision to fire Police Chief Vanessa Wilson, about two years after he recommended her for the position. He was part of the search to find the city's next police chief that selected several finalists, all of whom eventually dropped out of the process.
Also during his time as city manager, he called for the creation of an independent monitor for the police department after the 2019 death of Elijah McClain.
"Although there have been unexpected challenges along the way, I am proud of how much we have accomplished together, the caliber of service we provide the community, and the many initiatives to support our employees we have put in place," Twombly said in his letter.
Among Twombly's accomplishments touted by the City of Aurora:
- He led Aurora through the COVID-19 pandemic.
- He advocated for the city’s ongoing public safety changes.
- He established the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
- He was a champion for water conservation measures.
“Jim has done an extraordinary job during a very difficult chapter in the history of our city, and he will be missed,” said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman in a news release.
The Aurora City Council will meet in executive session on Monday to discuss steps in filling the city manager's position.
Per the city charter, City Council members appoint the city manager.
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