Milpitas is saying goodbye to another one of its top city staff members.
City Manager Ned Thomas will leave his position on April 16, wrapping up his 18-month stint of overseeing day-to-day operations of the city’s staff and departments. An interim city manager will be appointed soon, according to the city.
Thomas is Milpitas’s fourth city manager to leave in the last six years. He is headed to work as city manager for Boulder City, Nevada.
“It has been an honor to serve the residents and businesses of Milpitas,” Thomas said in a statement. “I am grateful for the dedication of our wonderful city staff and all that we have accomplished together. Thank you for your friendship, encouragement and support during my time here in Milpitas.”
Thomas joined Milpitas as planning director in 2018 before being appointed as acting city manager in June 2023. He was selected to serve as city manager in October 2023.
As planning director, Thomas helped to update city plans to strengthen sustainable development in residential neighborhoods surrounding the Milpitas Transit Center. He also supported the completion of Milpitas’s Housing Element, and assisted the department in securing millions in grant funding to establish Milpitas SMART, a local on-demand micro-transit service.
During his time as manager, Thomas oversaw the fulfillment of multiple major infrastructure and economic development projects, and helped the city prep its future finances. Thomas was also an advocate for the revitalization of Milpitas’ Main Street and the development of an Innovation District near the Milpitas BART.
“On behalf of the City Council and the entire community, we extend our deepest gratitude to City Manager Ned Thomas’ outstanding service,” said Mayor Carmen Montano. “We wish him the very best in future endeavors and look forward to carrying on the momentum he has helped establish.”
Milpitas has seen multiple city managers come and go in the past few years for various reasons. The city is currently involved in a lawsuit with its former city manager Steve McHarris, who claims city leaders violated his contract and essentially terminated him without cause.