Atascadero’s City Manager Announces Retirement

Rachelle Rickard will officially be departing in July of this year

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@atascaderonews.com

ATASCADERO — At the Feb. 28 City Council meeting, current City Manager Rach- elle Rickard announced that she would be officially retiring in July of this year. Rickard has been a city employee in Atascadero for the last 26 years, starting as administrative services director for her first 16, followed by her role as city manager for the last 10.

“It’s honestly an incred - ible honor and privilege. I mean, to be able to work for the community you love and come [to work] every day and make a difference. Whether I was administrative services director or city manager, what you’re doing makes a difference in the community,” stated Rickard. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s extremely rewarding too. Especially when you look back and go, you know what we do makes a difference, and that’s incredible.”

Rickard went on to say that she’s extremely proud of her hand in the revitalization of downtown Atascadero.