After dedicating 30 years of his life to serving Kannapolis, City Manager Mike Legg has decided to retire. Legg chose a significant moment, post-election, to announce his departure, according to the official news reported by the City of Kannapolis website. He plans to step down on April 30, 2026, allowing ample time for the selection and transition of his successor to align with the new City Council's objectives. Reflecting on his milestone birthday and career anniversary, Legg expressed his desire to chase after passion projects that would enable other communities to similarly transform the way Kannapolis did under his watch.
"My time as the City Manager of Kannapolis has been a privilege and a joy," Legg said in a statement obtained by Kannapolisnc.gov. He spoke proudly of achievements such as the Downtown Revitalization Project and the economic growth engendered through his tenure. Mayor Darrell Hinnant lauded Legg's contributions, describing how his "ability to seize opportunities and cultivate relationships" have significantly contributed to Kannapolis's growth and development.
Mike Legg began his career with Kannapolis in 1995, initially serving as Planning Director before becoming Assistant City Manager and ascending to City Manager in 2004. He skillfully navigated Kannapolis through monumental economic and infrastructural transitions, including the loss of a major company and the arrival of a biotech and tourism influenced regional economy. Legg was instrumental in the North Carolina Research Campus development and the acquisition of downtown real estate that spurred the city's revitalization.
Under Legg's management, the city has not only survived challenges like massive layoffs, recessions, and health crises but also managed to thrive and establish its industrial significance. To his credit, and as reported by the Kannapolis website, the city has attracted top companies including Amazon and Gordon Food Service, adding over 7 million square feet of industrial space. His role in leadership has been recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal, and his engagement with various community boards and development organizations is a testament to his commitment to regional progress.
Legg, a University of North Carolina at Charlotte alum, has previously held roles with different government bodies and private firms before dedicating his career to Kannapolis. Despite his retirement from public service, he and his wife, Kelly, plan to remain actively involved in the Kannapolis community.
