Longtime Councilmember Lara DeLaney retires; New Mayor and Councilmembers are Sworn-In
Rob Schroder, who has served the City of Martinez as mayor and councilmember for the past 26 years, helmed his final regular City Council meeting on November 16.
A special ceremony is being held on Wednesday, December 7th to recognize his retirement. Mayor Schroder was first elected as mayor in 2002; he served the previous six years as a councilmember. Current councilmember Brianne Zorn will now take office as mayor.
Mayor Schroder has been key to numerous community improvements during his tenure and has led the City through many challenges, including a deep recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been lauded by local residents and regional leaders alike for his steady guidance and unwavering commitment to the community.
“I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of the community but in a less formal way,” noted Mayor Schroder. “Knowing I won’t be in the role of mayor any longer will indeed be bittersweet, but I’m confident that the community is in very good hands with our elected officials and staff. We’ve done so much over the past few decades, and it’s gratifying to leave office with the City in strong shape,” he added. “Most of all, I want to thank the community for placing their trust in me as mayor for so many years.”
Mayor Schroder’s list of accomplishments is long, and important highlights include:
- Bringing strong oversight of City finances, including building reserves from less than $18 thousand to more than $19 million
- Rebuilding all parks, the community pool, and library through the Measure H bond issue
- Tripling the City’s paving budget through the Measure D sales tax
- Securing continued funding for public safety, parks maintenance, and overall services to residents
- Purchasing the nearly 300-acre Alhambra Highlands for permanent open space
- Revitalizing the Historical Downtown Core with flexible dining platforms and weekend street closures for dining and entertainment
- Creating a micro grant program for small independent businesses during the pandemic
- Adopting the City’s first General Plan Update since 1973
“The entire Martinez community owes Rob Schroder a sincere thank you for all he has done over the past 26 years,” noted Mayor-elect Zorn. “His leadership has guided the City to numerous significant accomplishments and through a variety of challenging circumstances. We wish him the best in his well-earned retirement,” Zorn added.
Along with Mayor Schroder, longtime Councilmember Lara DeLaney will also be retiring after serving 20 years on the City Council. DeLaney played a lead role in the development of many City programs over the years, including (among others) the Community Groups Funding Program, Climate Action Plan, Economic Stimulus Program, and the negotiation numerous franchise, lease, and license agreements.
On December 7th, Zorn will be sworn in as the City’s next Mayor, and will be joined by Jay Howard who will be sworn in as councilmember for District 1, and Debbie McKillop who will be sworn in as councilmember for District 4. The swearing in of Zorn will leave a vacant seat on the City Council for District 3. A process will soon be initiated to fill that seat.
Source: City of Martinez
