Saratoga city manager to depart in June after 10 years

James Lindsay has worked for the city since 2011.

James Lindsay, longtime city manager for the city of Saratoga, will be stepping down on June 29.

Lindsay was promoted to city manager in July 2014 after serving as Saratoga’s community development director since 2011. Lindsay, who has lived the West Valley area since his days as a student at Lynbrook High School, is preparing for a move to the Sierra foothills to be closer to his family, according to a statement from the city.

“In my 10 years as city manager, I am honored to have served a community rich in history, beauty and a strong sense of togetherness,” Lindsay said in the statement. “I’ve witnessed our community’s dedication, resilience and perseverance, and I’m excited to see Saratoga continue to thrive.”

During his time as city manager, Lindsay led an effort to have the state correct a tax revenue inequality for Saratoga, Cupertino, Los Altos Hills and Monte Sereno. He also helped reorganize Saratoga’s services to better respond to the community without needing to hire additional employees.

The city of Saratoga is currently searching for Lindsay’s replacement. The city signed a $29,200 contract with the executive search firm Bob Murray & Associates in January of this year to conduct the search.

According to the search firm, Lindsay’s current salary is $300,518, and the starting salary for the new city manager will be based on their experience and qualifications.

Lindsay’s is the second  longtime city manager in the West Valley area to announce their departure this year. Los Gatos town manager Laurel Prevetti announced in March that she was stepping down after nearly a decade in the job.