Nevada City, California – The City of Nevada City and City Manager Sean Grayson have mutually agreed to part ways, effective Sunday, September 28, 2025.
During his tenure, Mr. Grayson oversaw a period of significant transition for the City, helping to implement a range of initiatives that expanded public services, enhanced emergency preparedness, and increased community access to arts, infrastructure, and amenities.
Under the direction of the City Council, key achievements during Mr. Grayson’s leadership include the development of Nevada City’s first comprehensive, community-driven Strategic Plan and the establishment of the City’s Office of Emergency Services, which includes a dedicated fire fuels mitigation team funded through voter-approved Measure C. He also supported the creation of the Nevada City Public Arts Commission and expanded arts programming through projects like the CHAMP Gallery, the City’s first approved mural, painted pianos, and tile mosaics.
Mr. Grayson helped secure over $20 million in outside funding to support major capital projects and public improvements- including the replacement of the Nevada Street Bridge, construction of the City’s first skatepark, restoration of the Seven Hills Middle School field, expanded sidewalk access, support for youth safety through a school resource officer, and implementation of the Deer Creek Hazardous Fuels Project to reduce wildfire risk. He also led efforts to modernize City Hall operations by expanding staffing capacity, updating the budgeting process, and developing a capital improvement planning approach that funded key resources and contributed to a more than 25% increase in the City’s general fund over three years.
The City extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Grayson for his dedication and the many accomplishments achieved in collaboration during his time with Nevada City. We also extend our thanks to his family for their support throughout his service to the City. The Council wishes him and his family all the best in his future endeavors.
Mr. Grayson shared the following in parting: “It has been an honor to serve my hometown of Nevada City. I am proud of the accomplishments that we have collectively achieved over the last three years in enhancing services, amenities, and access to residents, visitors, and business owners. I was privileged to help take the City from a time of struggle to an era of growth and planned sustainability. My sincere thanks and appreciation goes to the community, City Council, and City employees; your dedication to this place is what makes Nevada City magic.”
The City is currently in the process of securing an interim City Manager to oversee day-to-day operations. Following this transition, the City will begin an open and competitive search to identify and appoint the best-qualified individual to lead Nevada City into its next chapter. With these accomplishments as a foundation, the City enters this moment from a position of strength. The next City Manager will find a supportive community and a capable team, ready to build on this momentum and help guide Nevada City into its next era of growth and innovation.
Stay connected with us online at www.nevadacityca.gov and social media @NevadaCityCA on Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor.