By Monica D. Spencer | InMaricopa
It’s the end of an era (again).
Maricopa Chief Strategy Officer Rick Horst, who until April was the city manager, confirmed last night he’s quitting his job at the Office of Economic Opportunity early with plans to fully part ways with the city by March.
Horst announced he would step down as city manager in September 2023. His contract shows he was supposed to serve in his current role alongside new City Manager Ben Bitter until January 2026.
Horst did not immediately respond to a request for comment last night.
City spokesperson Monica Williams yesterday told InMaricopa an internal assessment of departments showed OEO “is currently overstaffed” and confirmed one position is being eliminated.
Economic Development Project Manager Rachel Leffall told InMaricopa on Tuesday she believed “some internal adjustments” were occurring within the department but did not elaborate. Other sources at the city said Leffall was notified this week she would be terminated, but has been invited to apply to other positions in the city.
