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Greetings:
After more than 31 incredibly rewarding years with the City of Temecula, I have made the difficult decision to retire by the end of this year.
This decision did not come easily. It has been an extraordinary honor, privilege, and pleasure to serve this City, our City Council, our employees, and the community I am fortunate to call home. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in what lies ahead. We have planned carefully for this transition, and I can assure you that the City is in exceptionally good hands. Congratulations to Luke Watson as the City's next City Manager.
If there is one thing retirement will provide, it is time. Soon, I will spend more of it with my family and tending to our small vineyard here in Temecula Valley Wine Country.
The press release below provides the details, but for now, I simply want to express my profound gratitude. It has truly been the privilege of a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Aaron Adams, City Manager
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2026
RE: City of Temecula Honors Longtime City Manager Aaron Adams' Legacy of Fiscal Leadership and Exemplary Public Service; Announces Retirement and Succession Plan
TEMECULA, CA - The City of Temecula City Council honors City Manager Aaron Adams for a distinguished career of public service and transformational leadership that has helped shape Temecula into one of California's safest, most family-friendly, desirable, and financially resilient cities.
Aaron Adams began his career with the City of Temecula as an intern in May 1995 and steadily advanced through multiple positions and leadership roles before being appointed City Manager in 2012. His faith, devotion to family, and commitment to being "others-centered" provided the foundation for his approach to managing the City, which has centered on "building greatness and maintaining excellence." As the longest-serving City Manager in the City's history, Adams will officially retire at the end of the calendar year. His distinguished career culminates with one of local government's highest honors: being named California's City Manager of the Year for 2026, announced earlier this year by the California City Management Foundation.
As Aaron enters his final fiscal year as City Manager, the adoption of the FY2026-2027 budget marks a defining milestone that eliminated all facility debt and other long-term obligations in its first month. This achievement reflects the prudence and long-term financial strategy advanced by Aaron Adams to accelerate payments of the City's outstanding obligations, along with the City Council's decisive stewardship of public resources to pay off all debt years ahead of schedule. The result: the City saved taxpayers more than $47.7 million in future interest costs, and strengthened Temecula's position as one of the most financially sound cities in California.
Mayor Jessica Alexander praised Adams' leadership and lasting impact on the City stating, "Aaron's leadership has helped build one of the strongest financial foundations of any city in California, and perhaps the nation. His unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility has enabled Temecula to eliminate its debt obligations, invest in public safety and infrastructure, and preserve the financial flexibility to protect and enhance our community's quality of life. Beyond these achievements, he has intentionally developed a strong leadership team and embraced succession planning, leaving the City with the stability and organizational strength to carry forward. On behalf of the City Council and our community, we are deeply grateful for his exceptional leadership and lasting legacy."
Brooke Nunn, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, states, "Aaron is truly a 'leader of leaders' within our community, and under his guidance Temecula has experienced remarkable economic growth. The City's reputation for fiscal responsibility and a strong budget, coupled with its continued reinvestment in infrastructure and the community, creates confidence among businesses to invest here as well. That environment has helped make Temecula a destination for businesses to establish, grow, and succeed." Brooke adds, "Aaron will certainly be missed, but perhaps one of the greatest reflections of his success is that he planned for this moment, developing a strong succession plan for Temecula. And fortunately for all of us, Aaron calls Temecula home, so we know where to find him!"
As City Manager, Adams oversaw unprecedented economic growth that helped triple General Fund revenues, which he strategically leveraged to strengthen the City's long-term financial position. The City maintained consecutive balanced budgets, increased General Fund reserves by 148%, and grew its Asset Management Fund by more than 650%. Significant investments included $275 million from Measure S for public safety, infrastructure, and community amenities, while maintaining strong fiscal discipline. Public safety staffing expanded by nearly one-third, and the City's Capital Improvement Program grew from 49 to 96 projects, representing an increase from $437 million to nearly $1 billion in planned infrastructure investments. The City also secured hundreds of millions of dollars in outside grants and partnerships to maximize local taxpayer resources. These accomplishments were accompanied by 14 years of consecutive Distinguished Budget, Capital Improvement Program, and Annual Financial Report awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO).
Beyond the City's finances, Adams helped guide many of Temecula's most transformative projects over the course of his career. These included major Interstate 15 improvements; construction of the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, City Hall and Town Square which helped revitalize Old Town Temecula; and expanded higher education opportunities with California State University San Marcos and Mt. San Jacinto College. Other significant investments included growing the City's roadway system and providing up to $10 million annually for street maintenance; building new parks, playgrounds, hockey rinks, skate parks, pickleball courts, pump tracks, recreational centers, and multipurpose trails; and purchasing SCE streetlights saving the City approximately $750,000 annually. These investments were complemented by numerous award-winning programs, community events, and services for youth, seniors, veterans and military families, individuals with special needs, and quality-of-life amenities for all residents and visitors, helping shape Temecula as it grew from approximately 40,000 residents when Adams joined the City in 1995 to more than 113,000 today.
Annette Brown, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Visit Temecula Valley, adds, "Aaron's decades of personal and professional experience in Temecula provided him a unique understanding that being a destination City and the heart of Southern California Wine Country requires continually investing in public safety, infrastructure, and the beauty of our community." Brown adds, "On behalf of our Board, we thank Aaron for his longstanding collaboration and commitment to the investments that have helped Temecula remain a premier destination, proudly welcoming more than three million visitors each year."
Adams reflected on the accomplishments as the result of a shared commitment to responsible governance, and states, "None of these accomplishments were achieved alone. They reflect the vision of our elected City Council leadership, our close-knit community stakeholders, our residents, the dedication of an exceptional executive team, and the professionalism of employees across every department. Here at the City, we are committed to long-term planning, living within our means, and making strategic investments that have grown and protected our community amenities while protecting taxpayer dollars. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the City that I love, and where I raised my family, and I am proud of the strong financial foundation that has been built for the next generation to continue." Adams adds, "While the projects and services were incredibly important to our City, I will forever be grateful for the lives that I had the opportunity and privilege to affect as a public servant, both internally and externally. These often were life-changing moments for another human being, and I will take away these memories as likely the greatest accomplishment, legacy, and investment I made while working for the City of Temecula."
Adams' culture of organizational excellence has focused on employee development, succession planning, and advancement from within, contributing to years of labor peace, union support, and strong employee attraction, retention, and morale. Temecula is also a highly sought-after Contract City for public safety. "Deputies specifically request assignment to the Southwest Sheriff Station because of the Temecula City contract, and the unwavering support Aaron and the Temecula City Council have demonstrated towards our law enforcement professionals," said Temecula Police Chief Mark Rigali. Temecula Fire Chief John Crater echoes the same sentiment. "We have firefighters who specifically ask to work in Temecula. The City's strong reputation for supporting public safety, established by Aaron and the City Council, allows us to attract exceptional, high-caliber personnel who want to serve here." Rigali adds" Public safety is a priority, and the City has invested heavily to ensure deputies have the resources and technology necessary to keep Temecula the safe and thriving community it is."
Mayor Alexander adds, "Although Aaron Adams' tenure as City Manager will conclude in the near future, the vision, values, and strong organizational foundation established during his leadership will continue guiding the City for years to come. To ensure a seamless leadership transition, the Temecula City Council unanimously appointed Assistant City Manager Luke Watson as City Manager alongside Aaron Adams. Having worked closely together for decades, Aaron Adams will continue mentoring Luke Watson throughout the six-month transition before concluding his tenure." Luke Watson's promotion will become effective in the near term upon execution of his employment agreement at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Luke Watson began his career with the City of Temecula in 2004. Over the past 22 years, he has gained extensive operational expertise, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of the organization through a series of executive roles. The City Council's appointment reflects their confidence in Watson's proven ability to guide complex municipal initiatives, including land use, long-range planning, development, and municipal operations, all of which will play a vital role in Temecula's continued evolution. Through his service as Director of Community Development, Deputy City Manager, and Assistant City Manager, Watson has consistently demonstrated sound financial stewardship, organizational excellence, and a steadfast commitment to exceptional public service. Remarkably, both Adams and Watson began their careers with the City as interns; a testament to Temecula's longstanding commitment to developing leaders from within. Their shared journey reflects an organizational culture built on mentorship, succession planning, and excellence in public service. On a personal note, Luke has long-established roots in Temecula. He grew up here, graduated from Temecula Valley High School, and is now raising his family within the City.
Luke Watson states, "Aaron is an extraordinary mentor, leader, and friend. His vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the City of Temecula have established a foundation that has Temecula well-positioned for continued success under the next generation of City leadership. I am honored by the trust the City Council has placed in me and humbled to continue building upon the remarkable legacy of excellence that Aaron leaves behind."
Aaron Adams states, "I have had the privilege of watching Luke dedicate more than two decades to serving the City of Temecula with professionalism, sound judgment, and a profound dedication to our community. Luke embodies the values that have long defined this organization: service, excellence, and accountability. I cannot think of a more qualified or capable leader to guide Temecula into its next chapter."
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