City Manager Jim Lindley will officially retire in July 2026, concluding an exceptional 28-year career in public service. Photo courtesy of City of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - City Manager Jim Lindley will officially retire in July, concluding a 28-year career in public service. Serving as Dixon’s City Manager for over 14 years, Lindley has provided pivotal operational leadership, financial oversight and support to the City Council, leaving behind a legacy of growth and modernization.

Throughout his tenure, Lindley has been widely recognized for his “people-first” management style, guiding the city with deep kindness and loyalty. His balanced leadership successfully created a collaborative environment across municipal staff, council members and residents alike.

Since taking the helm in March 2012, Lindley successfully steered the City of Dixon through significant economic eras, including navigating the municipality out of the Great Recession and through the complexities of the global pandemic. Lindley’s leadership in Dixon was also defined by a series of infrastructure and capital improvement initiatives that had long been envisioned by the community:

Railroad Overcrossing Project (Parkway Overpass): Successfully secured major grant funding to advance a vital transportation initiative that had been envisioned by the city for over 30 years.

Wastewater Treatment Facility: Spearheaded and oversaw the construction of Dixon’s first modern Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Pardi Plaza: Built the Pardi Plaza, creating a central hub for community gatherings and civic engagement.

West B Street Grade Separation: Completed the public pedestrian underpass crossing project, significantly improving pedestrian safety and transit connectivity.

“Jim Lindley’s impact on Dixon cannot be overstated,” said Mayor Steve Bird. “His steady leadership steered our city through historic economic challenges and modernized our local infrastructure. Beyond his administrative talent, Lindley brought a level of professionalism and genuine care for city staff members to City Hall every single day, assuring them that they mattered and were deeply appreciated.”

Finance Director Kate Zawadzki echoed these sentiments, highlighting Lindley's mentorship and fiscal stewardship.

“I’ve had the great fortune of learning from Jim Lindley for over 14 years. The greatest lesson he shared was how he valued team members. Lindley always praises in public and reprimands in private. He encouraged a positive environment, maintained a light-hearted tone and provided unwavering support. Lindley has led the City of Dixon through difficult times and into prosperous times, always being a good steward for the taxpayers. He should feel a lot of pride in his accomplishments as he heads into retirement. I am very grateful for my years working for him and wish him the happiest adventures in Texas.”

Chief of Police Robert Thompson also emphasized Lindley’s foundational impact on leadership and public safety.

“Jim Lindley hired me, so I have had a front row seat to his leadership for many years. Throughout his tenure, he has been relentlessly committed to building a safe community, a stable and effective organization and a city positioned for future success. Dixon is a better place because of his service, and his legacy will be felt throughout our community for years to come.”

Before his 14-year tenure in Dixon, Lindley accumulated extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, including 25 years in the private sector and five years as CEO of Municipal Consulting Associates. His 28-year public service career features eight years as an elected official in Hesperia — serving as council member, mayor pro tem and mayor — followed by five years in three distinct director-level roles for San Bernardino County. He later transitioned back to city management, serving as the city manager of Dunsmuir and executive director of the Dunsmuir Redevelopment Agency from June 2010 to March 2012.

An advocate for professional development and education, Lindley holds associate degrees from Victor Valley Community College, alongside a bachelor’s degree in economics and an honors master’s degree in public administration from CSU San Bernardino. He spent years shaping future leaders as an adjunct and associate faculty member at CSUSB, Victor Valley College, the University of La Verne, the University of Phoenix and Barstow College. Deeply involved in regional advancement, he also chaired multiple municipal boards in Hesperia and SANBAG, while serving on leadership boards for the League of California Cities, First Five San Bernardino and the Small Cities Organized Risk Effort.

“It is with gratitude that I announce my pending retirement as City Manager for the City of Dixon. These past 14 years have proven to be the best years of my career. I’m grateful I was able to serve under some great councils and outstanding mayors. Together, we achieved some notable accomplishments, and I’m proud that Dixon is in a better place than when I arrived here all those years ago. I leave Dixon in some very competent hands with an excellent council and an extraordinary staff. The City of Dixon has a bright future ahead. My wife and I are retiring to Texas where we have family, including two grandchildren, to be close to those we love. My last day in Dixon will be July 31. Lastly, I would like to thank all of those councils that gave me the opportunity to serve as City Manager for this fine City of Dixon.”

As Lindley prepares to step down in July 2026, he looks forward to spending more time with his family. The City Council and city staff express their deepest gratitude to Lindley for his over 14 years of dedicated service to Dixon and wish him the very best in his retirement. Lindley’s final meeting with the City of Dixon will be July 21. The City Council will announce its plans for filling the city manager position at a future date.