© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Columbia City Manager Mike Matthes Resigns

Columbia City Manager Mike Matthes is resigning his post of seven years effective Wednesday evening.

Matthes was appointed to the position by the Columbia City Council in May 2011. Before that, he helped manage finances for the City of Des Moines, Iowa in a number of different capacities.

Recent months of Matthes’ tenure have been marked by controversy, including remarks some described as racially insensitive during a 2018 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event. He also faced questions over his handling of the city’s community policing initiatives, which culminated in a heated discussion during a city council meeting Monday night.

"It has been a pleasure to work with City staff and community members,” Matthes said in a city press release Tuesday. “We’ve accomplished many great things and I hope you all will continue to work hard to achieve the goals of the City and the community.”

Deputy City Manager John Glascock will fill Matthes’ vacated position as acting city manager until the council finds an interim appointment. A special session to discuss Matthes’ departure is currently scheduled for next Monday, Nov. 26.

Nathan Lawrence is an editor, documentary filmmaker and data journalist.