Politics & Government

Bellevue City Manager Steve Sarkozy Resigns

Bellevue City Manager Steve Sarkozy, who has been with the city of Bellevue for 12 years, is resigning from his position effective in May.

Bellevue City Manager Steve Sarkozy announced today that he will be resigning effective May 15, the city of Bellevue announced today.

In a resolution passed unanimously Monday night, the Bellevue City Council agreed to pay Sarkozy severance for the remainder of his contract. The city council appointed Deputy City Manager Brad Miyake to be the Acting City Manager as of May 16, according to a press release.

Sarkozy's resignation came after his annual review. Mayor Conrad Lee said that the review of the city's future goals showed that it was a good time for the city to make a transition.

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"It was a good, mutual and amicable decision," said Mayor Conrad Lee on Tuesday.

Lee said that Bellevue has been changing, and needs different leadership.

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"He's done a great job for the past 12 years, and we are poised for being a different community and a different future," Lee said.

"We came to a conclusion that it was time for a change," said councilman John Stokes. "We're in a good place to make a change. It's really going to be a thoughtful change."

Sarkozy, who has been the city's top administrator for the past 12 years, has been at the helm while many changes have occurred in Bellevue, including the building of city hall, several annexations that have increased the city's population and size, including a recent annexation in South Bellevue, developing a plan for future of the Bel-Red corridor, and the agreements with Sound Transit over East Link light rail.

Sarkozy said in a prepared statement that he will work with the city in making a smooth transition.

“Serving the City of Bellevue for the last 12 years has been a great privilege. Bellevue is known nationally, and more importantly by its citizens, as one of the finest places in the world to live, work and play. This is due in no small part to the central role the city government plays in almost every facet of the community,” said Sarkozy.

“I’m proud of our accomplishments and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a great team of dedicated and professional public servants.” 

Sarkozy's tenure

According to the city of Bellevue, a celebration of Sarkozy’s tenure will be planned for later this spring. The city noted the following accomplishments during Sarkozy's tenure as City Manager:

  • Developing City Hall,
  • Bringing together community and business leaders to transform Downtown Bellevue, through the commitments of Symetra and Microsoft, to name a few,
  • Planning and executing the Bel-Red Corridor Plan for the re-development of over 900 acres into a transit-oriented concept,
  • Earning national accreditation of all of our departments and numerous professional awards conferred for innovation and excellence in program delivery, and
  • Driving down our property tax rate to be the lowest in the entire State for any major city.


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