PITTSBURG – After nearly three decades of service to the city, Pittsburg City Manager Garrett Evans is bidding farewell.
Evans, who has held various roles since 1997, is set to retire on Sept. 4.
After starting as an administrative analyst, he later was involved with Pittsburg’s Economic and Redevelopment departments before becoming general manager of Pittsburg Power Company, a city-owned energy provider.
Pittsburg City Manager Garrett Evans will retire in September. Evans has held various roles in the city since 1997. According to the city officials, under Evans’ tenure, Pittsburg has experienced remarkable growth in economic development, infrastructure improvements, and community services. (Courtesy of City of Pittsburg)
After serving as assistant city manager for almost eight years, Evans was appointed as city manager in 2019. He succeeded the retiring Joe Sbranti.
Evans said he is “excited” but also “incredibly honored” by what has been accomplished with city employees, elected officials, and the community.
“My hope and expectation, given this City Council and staff, is continued growth economically, residentially, and culturally,” Evans told this news organization.
Evans said the one thing he will miss most about leaving the city is the community.
“It sounds cliché, but the people, the pride in Pittsburg by the staff, City Council and community is inspiring. This community has grown in so many ways since 1997,” he said. “Crime is lower, homes are selling for over $1 million, we have new retail shopping and hotels opening, the downtown is thriving, and technology are actively trying to come to Pittsburg.”
Over the years, Evans said working for “visionary” councils has led to some “great” projects and programs in Pittsburg.
Evans said previous councils empowered staff to revitalize downtown with projects like the Vidrio residential buildings, Pittsburg Marina, and California Theatre. The city also was able to build over $2 billion in energy infrastructure that supplies up to 40% of San Francisco’s power and saw two BART stations arrive.
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“The current City Council has a dynamic strategic plan, balanced budget, My Brother’s Keeper community, a $60 million water treatment plant under construction, new and improved roads, a well-funded police department, on pace to be the largest producer of green hydrogen in the state in 2026,” said Evans.
The city is also working toward sports tourism efforts with construction of Dream Courts and the Pittsburg Premier Fields, he said.
Once he retires, Evan said he plans to spend time with his family and friends in the Bay Area and in Tucson, Arizona, as well as with his two children who reside in Washington, D.C., and San Diego.
Pittsburg Mayor Jelani Killings said Evans’ commitment to the city has been “nothing short of extraordinary.”
“His steady leadership, deep knowledge of our community, and dedication to public service have guided Pittsburg through periods of growth, challenge, and change,” said Killings. “We are grateful for his many contributions to our city.”
The Pittsburg City Council will soon begin the process of selecting the next city manager in the coming months. The council is also expected to discuss the appointment of an interim city manager in an upcoming meeting.