Cambridge City Manager Richard C Rossi to Retire at End of June 2016

Today, Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi issued the following statement to the City Council’s Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee:

“After lengthy discussions with my family, I have decided not to seek an extension of my contract as Cambridge City Manager.

This has been a very difficult decision for me. I want to thank the City Council for the opportunity to lead this incredible City, about which I care very deeply.  Your faith in me and your support over the last three years have been greatly appreciated and it has been a true honor and privilege for me to serve as City Manager.

For the past 45 years, I have worked to improve our community and I have enjoyed every minute of it.  As someone who grew up and went to public school in Cambridge, I am so proud that I have been able to play a role in helping my city – our city -- become the great City that it is today. Of course it has been challenging at times, but the work of the last three years has been rewarding, and I believe that we have made positive steps towards shaping the future for both residents and businesses.

As I begin preparing to leave, I want you to know that I am extremely proud of our employees, in particular, the strong leadership of our Department Heads and their teams. Since my appointment as City Manager, one of my priorities was to ensure that when I retired, each department would have a strong leadership team that was well prepared to be an asset to my replacement. Our next City Manager will inherit a workforce that is highly professional and committed to working hard to achieve the City’s goals.

Although my contract calls for my departure on June 30, 2016, I recognize the importance of an orderly transition.  If the Council desires, I would be amenable to offering my services as needed this summer to assist during the transition or to continue in some fashion until you have selected my successor.

As I mentioned, I did not come to this decision lightly and it is one of the hardest that I have ever had to make.  I appreciate those of you who have taken the time to encourage me to think about my future with the City.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the support and effort that my staff has demonstrated over the past three years. It has been extraordinary. Our accomplishments as a team are too numerous to list today. I strongly believe that we have built a critical foundation for the City that will ensure that Cambridge remains a vibrant and desirable place to live, work, and play well into the future. 

Because of the dedication of the staff and City Council, I have every confidence that Cambridge will be able to address any challenge it may face in the future. My heartfelt thanks to all of you for trusting me with the honor of being City Manager.”

Mr. Rossi, during his 45 year tenure with the City of Cambridge, has served in numerous capacities including, Purchasing Agent, Acting Commissioner of Public Works, Acting Director of the Water Department, and, for 32 years, Deputy City Manager.  Mr. Rossi has served as City Manager since July 2013.

During his tenure, he has focused on building a core leadership team and creating bold initiatives focused on sustainability efforts, economic development, early childhood and STEAM education,  fiscal management – including maintaining the City’s three AAA bond ratings, affordable housing, and strengthening Cambridge’s ongoing commitment to our diverse population.  Additionally, Mr. Rossi has worked to forge collaborative relationships with residents, business and community groups. These efforts contribute to Cambridge being one of the best Cities in which to live, work, innovate, and play.

Under the Cambridge City Charter, the City Council is charged with selecting and appointing the City Manager.