Carbondale’s city manager announces resignation

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – Carbondale’s city manager announced his resignation.

Gary Williams served as the city manager for more than eight years.

“Over the 8+ years that I have served as City Manager we’ve accomplished a tremendous number of projects, improved our financial position, and set the standard for transparency in everything we do. I am extremely proud of how far the City Council and City Staff have moved the City forward during this time. Equally important, I am grateful for the community partners and supportive residents that helped make these accomplishments possible.

As I approach the last stage of my career and evaluate my long-term goals, I have to acknowledge the toll that the City Manager role takes on you personally and professionally. In order for me to be my best for the people that matter the most to me, my family, I need to make a change and have decided to pursue another opportunity within the region. As such, I notified the Mayor and City Council last week that I will be resigning my position, effective March 31, 2024.

The past 13 years at the City of Carbondale has been the best work experience of my career. As a community, you should feel confident that your city government is stacked with very talented, dedicated professionals at every level. They are the reason that we’ve been able to pursue and accomplish so many transformative projects like rebuilding our downtown, securing $22 million of funding to build a new multimodal facility, adding miles of bike paths, improving our street conditions, attacking sustainability initiatives, and restoring several distressed parks that were transferred to us in recent years. Please support these folks as they continue to provide these essential services while keeping you safe. The Mayor will be speaking with City Staff this week to evaluate directors that have expressed interest in assuming the Interim City Manager role. The City Council will discuss possible appointments at their March 12 meeting. The process to find a permanent City Manager will occur at a future date.

“Gary has done an incredible job for us and is a great asset that we hate to see go. But, I understand his decision and wish him the best!” said Carbondale Mayor Carolin Harvey.