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Katie Lichtig resigning as SLO city manager

August 7, 2017

Following more than 7.5 years at the helm of San Luis Obispo’s city government, Katie Lichtig is departing the Central Coast for an executive role in Santa Monica.

The city of SLO announced in a press release that Lichtig has been hired as chief operating officer/assistant city manager of Santa Monica. In 1992, Lichtig began her municipal career in Santa Monica, a city that now has a budget of nearly $775 million and 2,300 full-time staffers.

It is unclear why exactly Lichtig is choosing to leave San Luis Obispo and return to Santa Monica. Lichtig’s last working day in San Luis Obispo will be Sept. 28

“I have cherished my time serving the San Luis Obispo community. Together we have solved the problems of today, envisioned a bright future and created life-long friendships,” Lichtig said in a statement.

Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole, who selected Lichtig from a nationwide field of candidates, released a statement commending her.

“I sought out Katie because I knew about her achievements and skills in our profession,” Cole said. “After a rigorous process with stiff competition Katie rose to the top.”

Lichtig’s tenure in San Luis Obispo, however, has included several controversies ranging from the amount of money she makes to her appearance in a raunchy video.

Since her hire, numerous residents have complained about Lichtig’s pay, which regularly exceeded $300,000 a year. In 2016, Lichtig received a base salary of more than $230,000 and nearly $338,000 in total pay, according to Transparent California.

San Luis Obispo’s staffing and pension costs also rose considerably during Lichtig’s tenure as city manager, culminating with the city facing multi-million dollar budget shortfalls following a decision by CalPERS, the state retirement system, to lower investment its forecast.

Also recently, Lichtig was fined over her participation in a video that allegedly sexually objectified firefighters. The video was intended as a spoof to promote the SLO Chamber of Commerce, yet it resulted in Lichtig receiving a $2,659 fine and SLO Fire Chief Garret Olson getting fined $5,442.

Lichtig will start work in Santa Monica shortly after leaving San Luis Obispo in late September.


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Staff in Santa Monica should prepare for disingenuous comments, unethical actions and much more. Good ridden. Too bad it didn’t happen sooner. Maybe in Hollywood she can put her acting, singing and dancing moves to good use. Be see you!


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Well like they say, when it gets too hot in the kitchen it’s time to get out.

Good bye and it will be very very interesting to see what the current city council will do for a replacement. Should be quite a show to say the least.


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I am sure they will find a well-qualified individual either in Mr. Johnson or someone who is willing to be abused. I am not sure who would want to take this job.


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Well, bye.


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Poor Santa Monica. Anyway, good she’s on her way out of town. She must have seen the cookie crumbling. She had applied for the top job in Santa Monica, and expected to get it, but didn’t. So being number 2 under those circumstances seems to show some angst about her future here and a perceived need to git while she still could.


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A salary of $338,000 is absolutely ridiculous. Good riddance.


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Not when your job is 24/7


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Can she take the “comfortable shoe” wearing SLO police chief with her?


I know the officers would support that relocation, hell, they would probably take up a collection to cover moving costs.


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I doubt you could do her job. # Requirement: You can’t be a coward.


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You mean that extra $30,000 the city council threw in for no reason* after advertising the City Manager job opening for the same price as the double-digit veteran manager that retired?


I would caution our naive council members on hiring Santa Monica and Santa Cruz public employees who tend to expect more than is offered.


*other than “it’s not my money”.


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Thank you City of Santa Monica, we will throw in the Mayor and City Council for free and you can have the whole gang of stooges.


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Jon, the only thing I would change in your post is “…the whole gang of stooges.” IMO, should read: “…the whole gang of liars and connivers.”


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It’s sad that you have to tear other people down to make yourself feel better.


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Please, don’t forget the city attorney.


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If you don’t like the current council why don’t you run? Can’t take the heat?


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It’s pretty easy to complain and sit back and do nothing. Maybe instead of complaining, you should work to make the city a better place. You can start by volunteering for one of the city’s many advisory bodies.


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Best news all day.


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