Update: Clayton City Manager Resigns

On Thursday, Clayton City Manager Bret Prebula confirmed that he has resigned from the city and his last day will be April 12, 2024. He also confirmed he has taken another job in a new city.

“The public announcement was supposed to happen tomorrow but obviously the news got out as could be heard during the City Council meeting, I will still be releasing a public letter to the community tomorrow,” stated Prebula.

The news of Prebula leaving the city was made public during Tuesday’s city council meeting by members of the public and later in the meeting with Councilmember Jeff Wan making comments during the discussion on possibly placing a revenue measure on the November 2024 ballot–the council punted that item.

“The decision to move and lead a new organization is rooted in my desire to realign with the work that initially drew me into public service. It is about filling my professional cup once again with the projects and initiatives that spark my passion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve,” said Prebula.

No other details were released prior to the Friday announcement.

According to sources, Concord City Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister is waiting in the wings to be named as interim city manager in an effort to kill The Olivia on Marsh Creek project—a three building, three-story 81 rental unit building.

Note – Hoffmeister said Saturday that no one from the City of Clayton has reached out to her and the sources were not correct and were false. 

Bret Prebula was hired in May 2023 after Reina Schwartz served as city manager for two years. He was the 7th city manager since 2019. They have also gone through multiple finance managers and have had trouble keeping staff under the city council.

Whoever is hired by the City of Clayton, it will be their 9th city manager since 2019.

UPDATE – letter to the community on resingation

Dear Clayton Community,

It is with a heavy heart and profound gratitude that I write this letter to inform you of my decision to resign as the City Manager of Clayton, effective April 12, 2024. This decision was not made lightly but comes after much contemplation about my professional journey and the future path I wish to embark upon.

I want to thank all the hardworking staff, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for all the residents of Clayton. The dedication, resilience, and spirit of all of you have deeply inspired me, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.

I wish to extend my appreciation to the City Council for allowing me the opportunity to serve the residence of Clayton. I wish the City Council the best of luck in finding my replacement and continuing the good work and change that has been started.

The decision to move and lead a new organization is rooted in my desire to realign with the work that initially drew me into public service. It is about filling my professional cup once again with the projects and initiatives that spark my passion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Please know that I will always cherish the memories and friendships forged during my tenure. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have served as your City Manager and for the trust you have placed in me.

Thank you once again for your support, understanding, and collaboration.

Warm regards, 

Bret Prebula 

City Manager 

Another City Manager to be hired/serve as interim:

1. July 2019 – Gary Napper
2. August 2019 – Joe Sbranti
3. Dec 2019 – Ikani Taumeepeau
4. July 2020 – Frances Robustelli
5. Nov 2020  – Reina Schwartz
6. February 2023 – Ron Bernal
7. May 2023 – Bret Prebula
8. TBD

From May 18, 2023

Hello!

I’m Bret Prebula, and I am elated to begin this journey with the City of Clayton as City Manager.

My number one objective as I take on this role is to make government a little more personal and less faceless or obscure. Community is important and personal, and it’s important to me that you feel like you know the person leading the staff that keeps this wonderful city humming.

I’d like to start this message by giving you a little introduction to who I am outside of this role in the community:

I am a Bay Area native, born and raised in Vallejo, but currently living in Benicia with my wife Jaclyn, daughter Emersen (10), and our two rescue dogs Penny and Juliette. Prior to my work in government I wore many hats: In my early twenties I was a professional golfer and Head Pro at Mare Island golf course in Vallejo, and an entrepreneur….owning my own golf store, The Shaft Shop, in Benicia.

I still golf as often as I can, but now also proudly wear the hat of “Horse Show Dad” as my daughter begins her competitive riding career alongside my wife. Both are Eventers and amaze me with their bravery and horsemanship!

When not at the golf course or the barn, I can usually be found at one of my two favorite places: South Lake Tahoe or Disneyland.

I began working in the government sphere after completing my Master of Business Administration in 2008. I started in the County of Napa as a staff services analyst for the library, later moving to the Corrections Department to be their Administrative Services Manager. From there, my work took me to County Executive office as a Principal Management Analyst and then The Assistant Treasurer- Tax Collector. I later moved from the county to The City of Napa when I accepted the role as their Finance Director. Next, work brought me closer to home as Finance Director for City of Benicia, and ultimately my final position in their organization: Assistant City Manager.

I feel so lucky to have touched so many different facets of municipal work during my career and feel that these previous roles have primed me to effectively lead the city with a well-rounded understanding of what its various departments require.

My utmost goal as City Manager is to bridge the gap between you, the community, and this office as the government to focus on our common interest: our city.

I implore you to let go of any issues of the past and work alongside me to maintain the bright future of Clayton.

Through focusing on community discussion, transparency from the myself and my team, and not allowing one’s goals to blind them from compromise we can create a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship.

I will strive as the City Manager to create a municipality that focuses on efficiency, realistic cost to delivering current service, and to create a roadmap for improving and innovating the future.

Related

• Feb 22, 2024 – Video: Clayton City Council Demonstrates How Not to Run A Meeting
• Feb 4, 2023 – Clayton to Make Second Attempt at City Sponsored Special Events Policy
• March 10, 2023 – Clayton Terminates Agreement With Clayton Business and Community Association