After stints in Los Gatos and Cupertino, Matt Morley is now managing the city of Saratoga.
After serving as parks and public works director for the town of Los Gatos for about nine years and then as assistant city manager for Cupertino for about 18 months, Saratoga’s new city manager was already well acquainted with the region as he stepped into the role on June 10, taking the reins from longtime Saratoga city manager James Lindsay.
Morley will assume his full job responsibilities at midnight on Aug. 5, but he said the community has already been welcoming and supportive of him as Lindsay helps him transition into the job.
“It’s been very interesting to watch people come together and be a team,” he added.
Morley was selected after a search process that began when Lindsay first announced his plans to move to the Sierra Foothills to be closer to family last year. The city contracted with the search firm Bob Murray & Associates for $29,200 in January to conduct the search for his replacement.
As Cupertino’s assistant city manager, Morley earned between $263,996.93 and $320,889.50, according to the city’s website. Bob Murray & Associates reported that Lindsay’s current salary is $300,518, and that Morley’s salary as city manager will be based on his experience and qualifications.
Lindsay said his departure is not a retirement. “I will continue to look for opportunities on how I can contribute to communities and cities in this next phase of life,” he added.
Lindsay looks fondly on his memories as city manager, recalling in particular the first community harvest in Saratoga’s Heritage Orchard.
“This event brought joy across generations,” he said. “Residents reminisced about their first jobs pitting apricots in their youth, while today’s children delighted in picking fresh fruit and engaging with Saratoga’s rich agricultural history.”
As Lindsay prepares for a move to the Sierra Foothills, Morley is gearing up for a regular commute from Gilroy to Saratoga. But as his resume indicates, he’s always had an affinity for the West Valley region, which he said has been “amazing” to work in over the years.
“I really appreciate that sense of community that you get in the West Valley,” he said.
Morley, who has a bachelor’s degree in political science and German from UC Davis and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, said he began his career working in a family construction business until 1996, when he decided he wanted a change from the demanding travel schedule to have more time for family. Starting from an entry level position with the city of San Jose, Morley worked his way up over the years to become deputy director of public works for that city.
His background in parks and public works, he said, has helped prepare him for the city manager job.
“With that you get all of the breadth of experience, whether it be economic development or finance or budget. All of that comes with the territory in public works,” Morley said. “So it’s really helped me; it’s been a great springboard into management.”
Morley said he plans to prioritize community engagement during his time with the city. Whether it be movie nights or a community meeting on the state of economic vitality in Saratoga, Morley plans to show up.
Lindsay said he’s confident that under Morley’s leadership, city staff will work to maintain Saratoga’s community feel.
“Looking ahead to the future of Saratoga, city staff are committed to helping the council and the community preserve the unique charm that defines Saratoga while embracing progress and innovation,” he said.
The city council recognized Lindsay’s efforts at its June 19 meeting with a commendation for his service to Saratoga over the years.
