Claremont : City Manager Steps Down

After more than seven years as city manager, Leonard Wood announced his resignation last week. Wood, who plans to establish a consulting firm, will remain in the position until the city hires a successor.

Wood, 44, became Claremont’s city manager in 1980, after serving as the first city manager of the newly incorporated city of Rancho Palos Verdes. Wood said he decided to leave his post in Claremont after many of his long-term projects reached fruition.

“There are a number of things I’m very proud about in Claremont, particularly the Claremont Auto Center, which doubled the city’s tax revenue,” Wood said. Among his other accomplishments, Wood cited various redevelopment projects, the establishment of a recycling program and the hiring of women directors for several city departments.

After Wood announced his resignation, Mayor Judy Wright issued a statement praising him for his success in increasing revenue through redevelopment and his implementation of two-year budgets, which she said helps the City Council make long-term financial decisions.

Besides his consulting business, Wood will offer his services as interim city manager to cities throughout California.