Lon Pluckhahn Takes Helm as Vancouver’s New City Manager, Sets Priorities for Community Engagement and Police Chief Recruitment

Last February, Vancouver's City Manager, Eric Holmes, announced his plans to retire after a distinguished 17-year tenure, 14 of those leading the city. As Holmes stepped away on October 11, his successor, Lon Pluckhahn, former Deputy City Manager and a local government veteran with 30 years under his belt, officially took over the reins. "It has been my honor to serve as Vancouver’s city manager over the last 14 years," Holmes stated in his farewell message to the community, as cited by the City of Vancouver.

Pluckhahn comes to the position prepared to immediately begin to tackle some significant tasks, not least of which is recruiting a new Police Chief. "I have several priorities for the remainder of 2024, first among them, the recruitment of a new Police Chief," Pluckhahn remarked, per the City of Vancouver. Chief Mori's successor is expected to be a leader building on a legacy of vision and compassion in law enforcement. The interview process is set to occur in October, with community engagements planned soon after.

Additionally, the new City Manager highlighted the imminent search for a Deputy City Manager, aiming to fill the role by April 2025. Detailing a plan that implies inclusive participation, Pluckhahn intends to leave ample opportunity for internal and external stakeholders to meet and provide input on potential candidates.