Jim Thompson to take city manager position in Loveland, Colorado
By Terrance Thornton | Digital Free Press
Scottsdale City Manager Jim Thompson is resigning his position effective at the end of December.
Mr. Thompson is taking a position as city manager in the city of Loveland, which is in Colorado, according to an Oct. 30 letter to members of Scottsdale City Council.
“This is a tough message to write. After nearly eight years in one of the best jobs in my career, I am formally announcing my departure as Scottsdale city manager at the end of December,” he said. “I have accepted the job as city manager in Loveland, Colorado.”
Mr. Thompson says the decision to resign his position was a difficult one.
“I’ve reached the point in my life and my career, however, where the personal side of things tips the scale a bit more,” he said pointing out his familial connections to the community of Loveland. “Two of my kids were born in Loveland, and we spent many years there and in other parts of Colorado, and for my family, the timing feels right to return there.”
Mr. Thompson’s employment has been under scrutiny in recent memory opting for a municipal move into a retirement classification in August 2022, Digital Free Press archives state.
Mr. Thompson’s salary is $347,000, according to a municipal contract with Educational Services Inc.
“The toughest part of this decision is leaving this amazing city and the incredible people here within the city of Scottsdale. We’ve been through a lot since I started here in 2017, many ups, and a few downs, from COVID to Super Bowls and everything in between,” Mr. Thompson said in his letter of resignation to City Council yesterday.
“Throughout, the constant has been the staff here in Scottsdale — all of you. I can’t thank you all enough for your support, and for the dedication and passion you bring to serving the community every day. It will be hard to leave such a great team, and I’ll miss my daily interactions with the folks in the city who work so hard on behalf of the community.”
Mr. Thompson complimented the mayor and City Council of Scottsdale pointing out the elected body’s ‘passion and dedication’ to making the greater community a better place.
“Additional information about how things will be handled at the city manager level upon my departure will be decided and shared accordingly,” Mr. Thompson said. “There’s no doubt that this organization is in good hands, and that you will continue serving with excellence, as you always have. I thank you for that, and for these great years in Scottsdale.”
