[City release text] Today, Long Beach City Manager Patrick H. West announced he will be leaving his post as the chief executive of the City to bring his insights and knowledge to the private sector. Mr. West started with the City of Long Beach in 2005 as the Executive Director of the redevelopment agency and Community Development Director after serving the City of Paramount for 25 years. In 2007, Mr. West was appointed Long Beach City Manager by the City Council.
"I can't thank Pat enough for his extraordinary leadership and friendship," said Mayor Robert Garcia. "He truly cares for our city and has built a dynamic team who are working to make our city better every day. We will miss him but are excited to see him continue his career in new and exciting ways."
During Mr. West's tenure with the City, Long Beach has seen tremendous advancements in development, public health and safety, and livability. Despite gaining the City's top post during the country's Great Recession, Mr. West has delivered his 13th consecutive balanced budget, the latest of which is $2.8 billion dollars.
Highlights of the City's last 13 years include a recent development boom, which currently includes $3.5 billion in private construction. This boom was made possible largely in part by an innovative and streamlined Downtown Plan, allowing for additional housing and a reimagined skyline. Mr. West has overseen the development of a unique and innovative public-private partnership (P3) to build a new Civic Center, which includes a new LEED certified and seismically sound City Hall and Port Administration building, a new main library, recently named the Billie Jean King Main Library and a new downtown park. The P3 allowed for $520 million of investment into public facilities without any new taxes.
"Being a part of this great diverse City has been an honor for me. I have seen so much positive change and innovation in the last decade, and it amazes me how much is being accomplished every day," said Mr. West. "All these accomplishments would have not been possible without the leadership of the mayors, councilmembers and other elected officials I have had the pleasure of working with over the years, and the commitment of department directors and dedication of all our fantastic City staff. I'm excited to step aside and make way for new leadership, and to take the next step in my own career."