Berkley City Manager Matthew Baumgarten Announces Decision to Pursue New Opportunities
After an eight-year tenure highlighted by significant accomplishments, Berkley City Manager Matthew Baumgarten has announced his decision to pursue new opportunities.
Baumgarten informed the City Council of his resignation at its March 18 meeting. He will stay in the role until mid-April, and the City Council discussed appointing an interim city manager to serve as they work with a search firm to hire Baumgarten’s permanent replacement.
“I have loved serving this incredible community for the past eight years as city manager and I am honored to have worked alongside so many talented and passionate professionals at the City of Berkley,” Baumgarten said. “I am proud of what a special place Berkley is to live and work, and I credit that to our incredible City employees who put so much of themselves into their work to drive progress.
“As my children grow up, my priorities have shifted and I am seeking new opportunities that will enable me to spend more time with them and focus more on my family.”
Baumgarten was appointed city manager by the City Council in 2016. He led the community through a Master Plan overhaul in 2020 and built a culture of connection during the COVID-19 pandemic, working to ensure access to City services and making phone calls to residents in need alongside his staff.
Under his leadership, the City of Berkley:
- Earned Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission accreditation for its Department of Public Safety.
- Adopted a five-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan based on community priorities.
- Made comprehensive park improvements that enhance recreation opportunities for all residents, including the creation of an inclusive playground and the development of a splash pad, among other amenities.
- Completed projects that improved its Insurance Services Office rating and lowered insurance premiums for the community. These projects included enhancing the city’s water main infrastructure and investing in fire preparedness improvements.
- Advocated for and received state grant dollars to increase funding to its pension system through the Protecting MI Pension Program.
- Invested in new fire equipment that enhances public safety services and personnel safety.
- Enhanced customer service and efficiency in its Community Development Department, making it easier for residents to update their homes and facilitating positive growth throughout the community.
- Completed renovations to its Public Works building that enabled the department to provide services to community members more efficiently.
“On behalf of the City Council, I want to extend my deep appreciation to City Manager Baumgarten for his steadfast leadership over the past eight years and the tremendous impact he has had on the City organization and our community,” Mayor Bridget Dean said. “He created a culture with his staff that champions progress and exemplary service, and he is an incredible ambassador for our community.
“I have full confidence that our dedicated City staff will continue to build upon Matt’s legacy and provide the high-level service and programs our residents have come to expect.”
Baumgarten and his family plan to remain in Berkley.
“I look forward to staying involved in our community, especially by continuing to coach our youth sports teams,” he said.