Urbandale City Manager A.J. Johnson Retires After 15 Years of Service
In a significant shift for the city of Urbandale, A.J. Johnson, the long-serving city manager, has announced his retirement. With a remarkable 15 years at the helm, Johnson’s departure marks the end of an era for this central Iowa community.
A Legacy of Leadership in Urbandale
A.J. Johnson, who has served as Urbandale’s city manager since 2009, will officially retire at the end of this year. In his farewell announcement, Johnson reflected on his tenure with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the future.
Johnson’s Reflections:
- Retirement Announcement: “I’ve been hinting at retirement for so long that I’m surprised it’s still news,” Johnson stated. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and enjoying the community I’ve had the privilege to serve.”
Career Background:
- Early Career: Johnson began his public service career in Sidney, Ohio, as an assistant to the city manager and later as an assistant city manager from 1981 to 1985.
- Previous Roles: He went on to serve as the city manager in Montevideo, Minnesota (1985-1989), and as the city administrator in Muscatine, Iowa (1989-2009).
Contributions to Urbandale’s Growth
During Johnson’s tenure, Urbandale experienced substantial growth and development. His leadership helped shape the city into the thriving community it is today.
Key Accomplishments Under Johnson:
- Population Growth: Under his leadership, Urbandale’s population expanded from around 39,000 to over 47,000 residents.
- Infrastructure Developments: The construction of Fire Station No. 43 was a notable addition to the city’s infrastructure.
- Enhanced Services: Johnson was instrumental in strengthening collaborative agreements with neighbouring cities for first responder services.
- Department Accreditation: He oversaw the successful accreditation of the city’s fire and police departments, ensuring high standards for public safety.
Mayor’s Praise:
Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg lauded Johnson’s impact on the community. “A.J. Johnson has been a steady hand at the helm of Urbandale for nearly 15 years,” Andeweg noted. “His commitment to our community is evident in the numerous accomplishments during his tenure. Through his leadership, Urbandale is well-positioned for a very bright future.”
A Look Ahead: Urbandale’s Future
With Johnson’s retirement on the horizon, Urbandale has begun the search for a new city manager. While the city has not provided a specific timeline, the recruitment process is underway to find a successor who can continue building on Johnson’s legacy.
Search for Successor:
- Recruitment Efforts: The city is actively seeking a new city manager who can uphold the standards and vision established during Johnson’s long tenure.
- Future Prospects: The new city manager will face the challenge of maintaining the momentum and addressing future needs as Urbandale continues to grow and evolve.
Johnson’s Personal Milestones
A.J. Johnson’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished career. Beyond his professional achievements, he has enjoyed a fulfilling personal life.
Personal Background:
- Education: Johnson is a graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College and a Master of Public Administration from Drake University.
- Family Life: Johnson and his wife, Christy, have been married for 44 years and are proud parents of two sons and two grandsons.
Conclusion: A Fond Farewell and a Bright Future for Urbandale
A.J. Johnson’s retirement represents a significant transition for Urbandale. His 15 years of dedicated service have left a lasting impact on the city, contributing to its growth and development. As Urbandale searches for a new city manager, the community reflects on Johnson’s legacy and looks forward to continued progress.
