City Manager Richard Miranda announced today that he's going to leave the position effective July 31. Miranda, following time as the city's Chief of Police, became Assistant City Manager in 2008, then ascended to City Manager on an interim basis in 2011, taking the job permanently in 2012.

The text of his memo to the mayor and council:

The purpose of this communication is to inform you that I intend to retire from the City of Tucson effective July 31, 2014. My reason for making this decision is that after nearly forty years of service with the City of Tucson, I feel that is time to make this move for my family and me.

I want to thank the Mayor and Council and the citizens of this community for allowing me to serve our great city. It is an honor and privilege to be a member of an organization that is dedicated and committed to the service of its constituency.  

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild released a statement regarding the change:

"I count myself fortunate to have had Mr. Miranda serving as City Manager these past three years. He has been a steady, stabilizing presence, well-respected by City staff and the community, whose integrity and devotion to Tucson both are exceptional. I have benefitted from his counsel on many occasions. I respect his decision and wish him and his family all the best. He will leave some very big shoes to fill.

I expect that when Council returns from the Memorial Day holiday, we will begin the process of a national search for a new City Manager. In the meantime, Mr. Miranda leaves us with very capable department heads and Assistant City Managers. We can afford to take the time necessary to be assured of a good fit in our new appointment."

More information to come.