Reno City Manager Doug Thornley Steps Down, Remains Through Fiscal Year

Reno City Manager Doug Thornley is stepping down from his position after serving the City since October 20, 2001 during the height of the pandemic. Prior to serving as City Manager for the “Biggest Little City in the W0rld,” Thornley served as Assistant City Manager in neighboring Sparks. He resignation is effective in July as he will remain through the end of the fiscal year. He intends to return to practicing law after taking the summer off.

According to his biography, he “championed the creation of the City’s Innovation and Customer Experience Department and the Equity and Community Relationships Department to better meet the unique needs of Reno’s growing community.”

In his announcement, Thornley stated, “I made a commitment to rebuild organizational culture, improve internal structure to better serve the needs of our growing community, strengthen fiscal sustainability, improve services for our most vulnerable populations, and bolster public safety resources for Reno residents….When I joined the team in 2020, the organization was experiencing instability due to leadership turnover and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Thornley said. “I’m extremely proud to look back on how far we’ve come as a team.”

Mayor Hillary Schieve sang his praises in a lengthy statement to City staff:

It is with a very heavy heart that I address you today to announce the resignation of our respected City Manager, Doug Thornley. While we are saddened to bid farewell to a leader whose dedication and vision have propelled our City forward, we also celebrate his many accomplishments and wish him well on his new journey.

Doug’s tenure as City Manager has been marked by remarkable achievements that have left an indelible mark on our community. Under his leadership, we have witnessed a transformation in our City’s culture, fostering transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in all our endeavors.

Among the many accomplishments during Doug’s tenure, we have seen the historic renovation of our new police station, enhancing public safety and community trust. The completion of the Moana Springs Community Aquatics & Fitness Center stands as a testament to Doug’s commitment to providing our residents with top-notch recreational facilities for healthy living.

Furthermore, Doug’s strategic financial management has earned the city an A-plus bond rating and secured more grants than ever before in our history, enabling us to invest in critical infrastructure and essential services.

Doug’s unwavering dedication to public safety has resulted in a record number of police officers patrolling our streets and a fire service that is at an all-time high, ensuring the safety and security of our residents.

Moreover, Doug’s vision for affordable housing has led to innovative projects such as the Village on Sage and investments in the new CARES Campus, addressing the pressing need for housing options in our community.

As Doug embarks on a new chapter in his life, pursuing opportunities in the legal field and spending more time with his family, I want to express my gratitude for his tireless service and dedication to the City of Reno.

While Doug’s departure is indeed a loss, I have full confidence in the capable leadership of our City Council and dedicated staff to continue the progress we have made together. We will work closely to ensure a smooth transition and uphold our commitment to serving the best interests of our community.

Please join me in thanking Doug Thornley for his outstanding service and in wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

Councilwoman Jenny Brekhus may not be on the bon voyage bandwagon. In 2021, Brekhus accused Thornley of being in the pocket of developers when discussing Jacobs Entertainment’s Reno Neon Line District project during a City Council meeting and later requested an investigation into Thornely just last year, claiming discrimination and retaliation. An independent five-month investigation found her claims to be unsubstantiated and concluded that the council member’s behavior created a toxic work environment.

The City announced they will seek Thornley’s replacement sometime “in the near future.”