In an official statement released the city, Chandler City Manager Josh Wright announced his decision to step down from his post effective August 1. Having held the role since March 2021, Wright has seen the city through several significant milestones, including voter approval for a vast $272 million investment in local infrastructure.
"It has been one of the highest honors of my career to serve the City of Chandler with ethics, integrity, professionalism and empathy," said Wright, a local of the area. His comment reflects his connection with the city, echoed by his praise of Chandler's public servants, referring to them as "among the finest public servants with whom I have ever worked," according to the City of Chandler's announcement. During his tenure, aside from infrastructure developments, Chandler has been able actively to full pay its public safety pension obligations, saving taxpayers millions.
Wright's time as City Manager of Chandler was marked by financial prudence and growth. The city enjoyed the benefit of lower property tax rates for a decade and has the enviable position of the lowest general sales tax rate in Arizona. Furthermore, Chandler has seen the commencement of new affordable public housing projects, unheard of in previous decades, and an impressive $30 billion expansion of Intel Corporation's manufacturing facilities.
Indeed, this fiscal responsibility and forward-thinking leadership led to Chandler receiving accolades; in 2023, it was named the Best City for Business by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. Just a year later, it won the Community Equity and Inclusion Award for its innovative Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan. This plan was notably recognized as the first of its kind in Arizona. Wright leaves behind a legacy of financial stability and a commitment to inclusivity that has notably set to transform the city's landscape.
Before his term as City Manager, Wright served Chandler as the assistant city manager since March 2017, and his experience extends to roles as town manager of Wickenburg and a strategic position in Marana. His departure triggers the need for the City Council to appoint a new leader for the day-to-day operations of the city, further navigating Chandler's progress and implementing policies in alignment with the foundation Wright has helped to set.
