Wichita City Manager George Kolb on Wednesday announced his plans to resign as the city’s top administrator. Kolb’s resignation, effective Jan. 2, follows extended discussions with Mayor Carl Brewer and Wichita City Council members regarding philosophical differences. The City Manager, who reports to the seven-member Council, oversees 3,100 employees, a $500 million annual budget and a $2.4 billion Capital Improvement Program.

Kolb has served as City Manager since July 26, 2004. Council Members praised him for focusing on City Hall customer service, implementing the Transforming Wichita initiative, initiating the process for a new airport terminal, retooling the budget process and emphasizing Core Area improvements, including award-winning Old Town and the StopBlight initiative in distressed residential and commercial neighborhoods.

“The City of Wichita has moved forward under George’s management,” Mayor Brewer said. “Despite our philosophical differences with the Manager, the Council maintains great respect for his integrity, his commitment to public service and his passion for improving municipal government. He’s been a professional, a friend and a confidante.”

Kolb will assist with the transition, and city management responsibilities will be assigned to assistant city managers.  A nationwide search will be conducted for Kolb’s successor. Information regarding an interim City Manager will be announced later.

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