Grand Rapids' Deputy City Manager has announced his retirement.
Eric DeLong has spent a little over two decades as the deputy city manager. He has held the post since November 1999, serving three City Managers. DeLong recently notified City Manager Mark Washington he would retire in early 2022. During his time at Grand Rapids City Hall, DeLong has assisted with the creation of numerous public projects including the development of the Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place Convention Center, Medical Mile and Vital Streets program. As the city’s Chief Operating Officer, DeLong has managed a $280 million budget and led nine departments.
In a news release, DeLong said, “Working together with residents, business leaders, our exceptional staff, Mayors and City Commissioners, we have built a better city by design. Best of all, we have built momentum for a very promising future. It has been an honor to help Grand Rapidians achieve their vision for what their city could become.”
Currently, DeLong is working on the Grand River restoration and the 210 Market Avenue projects.
The city said it will conduct a nationwide search for his replacement.