LAGUNA WOODS – The City Council in a unanimous vote on Aug. 21 appointed Interim City Manager Christopher Macon permanently to the job.
Macon, 27, becomes the youngest city manager in Orange County. The appointment comes three weeks after the retirement of the city’s longtime top administrator, Leslie Keane.
“I am honored and grateful for this opportunity to continue to assist the City Council with implementing their vision for Laguna Woods,” Macon said. “I look forward to working closely with our staff, residents and business community as we continue to provide vital public services.”
Under the terms of the three-year contract, Macon will receive an annual base salary of $165,100 plus a monthly $150 technology allowance for cell phone and personal computer usage.
Macon was named interim manager on Aug. 1. He has been employed with the city since 2007, serving as the city’s public safety director since 2011. His responsibilities have included overseeing code enforcement, animal control, water quality operations, and the city’s police services contract with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Macon also has been involved with the city’s budget, grant management and capital improvement projects.
“Chris is very familiar with the city and has one-on-one interface with a lot of the residents and volunteers, so he really understands the community,” Mayor Bob Ring said. “And in this community, that’s a really important factor.”
Macon was hired as senior management analyst for the city in June 2007. In that role, he served as curator of the Historical Society of Laguna Woods and assistant director of Emergency Services. He also staffed the Friends of the Laguna Woods Orange County Public Library committee.
Macon previously worked for the city of Claremont, where he managed recreation programs.
Macon holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from the University of La Verne and a master’s degree in public policy from Cal State Northridge. He also earned a certificate in human resources management from the UC Irvine.
The Globe caught up with Macon to ask him about his plans for the future.
Q: At 27, how would you answer people who say you are too young and inexperienced to be city manager?
A:I know this community; I love this community. In the six or so years that I’ve been here, coupled with my previous experience, I feel completely confident in my abilities to be the city manager.
Q: The former city manager was known for her ability to secure grant funds. How do you plan to make your mark with the city?
A:I would point out that I have been very aggressive in pursuing grant funds, which is really essential to the functioning of this particular city. Aside from that, the role of the city manager is to implement the City Council’s direction and policies. As far as making a mark, it’s really the City Council’s mark to make and it’s my job to execute that vision.
Q: How do you plan to balance the competing interests of the Village’s three housing mutuals and Golden Rain Foundation while keeping the priorities of the city at the forefront?
A:It’s important to realize that though the city and the Village are distinct organizations, we do share practically the same constituency. While our approach to issues may be different, I believe the best interest of the residents is still at the forefront. While there will never be 100 percent agreement, just given the fact that the city represents the public interests and, in many cases, is beholden to state law, I am confident that we can balance those interests and reach conclusions that are in the best interest of our residents.
Q: What changes do you plan to implement?
A:There will certainly be some organizational changes and plenty of behind-the-scenes changes. The policy direction, though, is within the City Council’s purview. Some of those organizational changes will be announced publicly over the coming weeks and months, but many are truly behind-the-scenes changes that should increase the efficiency and overall service of the city.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
A:I’m a big music fan. I enjoy listening to music and going to concerts. I like all types, but country music is definitely my staple.
Contact the writer: 949-837-5200 or jkarmarkar@ocregister.com
