City Manager Announces Departure to Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo
Morro Bay City Manager, Scott Collins, announced today that he will be leaving the City in early March 2023.  Mr. Collins has accepted the position of Executive Director for the Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo.  

Mr. Collins has served as the City Manager since November 2017.  During that time, the City received permits and funding for the Water Reclamation Facility, which is nearing completion of two of the three major project components; weathered the COVID-19 pandemic; received nearly $20 million in state, federal, county, and local grants for City programs and infrastructure projects; expanded recreation programming; enhanced community engagement efforts; stabilized City finances; improved employee compensation; and strengthened regional partnerships.

“It has been an absolute honor to serve the Mayor, City Council, staff and community as your City Manager,” said Scott Collins. “I came into the position in 2017 not knowing what to expect, and to be completely honest, a bit nervous about how I would be received and if I could do a good job.  Those worries were unfounded.  This community, the staff, and City Councilmembers and Mayors (past and present), have been nothing but kind, welcoming, supportive, and willing to come together to make positive change.  Morro Bay is a special place, and I am proud of what we have done as a City to maintain its uniqueness and help improve the quality of life here.  I am very excited about this new opportunity to serve the San Luis Obispo region working for the Housing Authority; however, I will miss the City team and the culture of belonging and authenticity we have created together.  I am supremely confident that under the leadership of the Mayor, City Councilmembers, executive team, and staff that the City and community will thrive into the future.”

“I am happy for Mr. Collins in taking on this important regional opportunity to address affordable housing needs,” offered Mayor Carla Wixom. “However, I will miss his leadership and compassion, which for me was evident in how he and the City staff and volunteers responded to the recent storm emergency and supported those in our community most impacted by flooding.  On behalf of the City Council and staff, we wish him the best of good luck and thank him for his service to our community.” 

The City Council will develop a transition plan in the coming days and provide updates to the community prior to Mr. Collins’ departure.