Lake Elsinore City Manager Grant Yates Announces Retirement

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — After more than 34 years in local government, Lake Elsinore City Manager Grant Yates has announced his retirement.

Yates, who was appointed to his position by the Lake Elsinore City Council in November 2012, submitted his letter of resignation Tuesday to the council. He will depart in February.

“We are forever grateful to Mr. Yates for his commitment, leadership and service to ensure the City of Lake Elsinore is in a much better place than when he joined us eight years ago,” said Mayor Bob Magee. “He has established an amazing team and a legacy of excellence that has set the framework for ongoing, future success as we remain united in our efforts to create a world-class city.”

In his resignation letter, Yates said that serving the city council and the residents of Lake Elsinore has been an honor and privilege and the highlight of his career. He went on to state that he is very proud of the organization and the talented team of professionals that work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for Lake Elsinore residents.

Yates joined the city during a tumultuous and divisive year for Lake Elsinore. His predecessor had been fired eight months earlier with a 3-2 vote by the city council.

Yates came from the City of Temecula where he had served for 21 years, and prior to that had been with the City of Carlsbad for five years.

Under Yates' leadership in the "Dream Extreme" city, Lake Elsinore has navigated several crises, including the 2018 Holy Fire that forced hundreds of local evacuations, and the 2019 Super Bloom that jammed local roadways and Interstate 15.

But it was under Yates' leadership that the city's Dream Extreme identity truly took shape — more than just a motto, it was a pursuit to become the ultimate lake destination with outdoor activities front and center.

Notable projects during his years of service in Lake Elsinore include the city’s first full-scale youth recreation park, Rosetta Canyon Sports Park; the complete rehabilitation of the City’s campground, Launch Pointe Recreation Destination & RV Park; the approval and start of construction on the long-awaited I-15 Railroad Canyon Road Interchange Project; the creation of the city’s first long-term strategic plan, Dream Extreme 2040 Plan; and the successful passage of a transaction and use tax, Measure Z.

Other Lake Elsinore achievements include establishing long-term fiscal sustainability, addressing homelessness, creating parks and public amenities, and investment and development in the city.

No decision has been made for Yates’ replacement. The Lake Elsinore City Council will meet at a future date to discuss the next steps and ongoing management of the city, a city statement read.

“On behalf of my colleagues and I, we want to thank Mr. Yates for his professionalism and care for our community,” Magee said. “While he will be greatly missed, we hope he will enjoy a long and
joyous retirement with his wife and family.”