Andrew Murray to leave Vallejo city manager role this month

VALLEJO – The City of Vallejo announced Wednesday that City Manager Andrew Murray will be leaving his position later this month. 

“I have decided that it is the right time to make a transition,” Murray said in a statement. “I look forward to spending time with my family while I plan the next chapter of my career. I wish the diverse, creative, resilient community of Vallejo success and prosperity.” 

Murray’s contract is scheduled to end next month. The announcement comes on the heels of his performance evaluation during a closed session City Council meeting Tuesday night.

Murray started as city manager in May 2024 amid the city’s chronic staffing shortages. He has presided over a tumultuous period which saw the exodus of several director level positions including Finance Director Rekha Nayar, Economic Development Director Michael Nimon and Public Works Director Melissa Tigbao. 

During his tenure, City Council members have frequently expressed frustration with items that city staff brought for a decision at the last minute, leaving the council limited with choices. 

At various points Murray’s generally calm and professional demeanor appeared to be tested by council questioning. 

The city’s brief statement about Murray’s departure did not indicate who would be taking his place as interim city Manager. His assistants, who may be most closely positioned to take over temporarily while the city seeks a candidate to fill the position permanently, are Gillian Haen, who has worked for the city since 2019, and Nalungo Conley, who was hired in July of last year.

City spokesperson Robert Briseño said that the city has no further information to share when asked by Vallejo Sun who the interim replacement will be and if the hiring process for the permanent position will involve public participation.

Murray’s hiring as Vallejo’s city manager coincided with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson that enforcement of anti-camping ordinances does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment. The ruling allowed cities in western states to clear encampments with less restriction. 

Under Murray, the city significantly increased encampment removals, causing homeless residents to move frequently or establish encampments on private land, where the city’s enforcement options are limited. 

During this increase in encampment removals, James Edward Oakley II was crushed to death by heavy equipment in December 2024, about six months after Murray was hired. Earlier this year, Oakley’s family members sued the city for wrongful death. 

The long-delayed Police Oversight & Accountability Commission cleared final hurdles in negotiations with the Vallejo Police Officers’ Association and began operating during Murray’s tenure. 

Murray also participated in the city’s efforts to negotiate an agreement with Solano County that provided sheriff’s deputies to take on police beats in Vallejo that had been neglected due to the police department’s low staffing levels. 

In a statement, Mayor Andrea Sorce thanked Murray for his work with the city. 

“I want to thank Andrew for his service, professionalism, and dedication,” Sorce said. “He helped the City advance and complete a number of significant projects. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”