It’s the end of an era (again).  

Maricopa Chief Strategy Officer Rick Horst, who until April was the city manager, confirmed last night he’s quitting his job at the Office of Economic Opportunity early with plans to fully part ways with the city by March.

Horst announced he would step down as city manager in September 2023. His contract shows he was supposed to serve in his current role alongside new City Manager Ben Bitter until January 2026.

Horst did not immediately respond to a request for comment last night.

City spokesperson Monica Williams yesterday told InMaricopa an internal assessment of departments showed OEO “is currently overstaffed” and confirmed one position is being eliminated.

Economic Development Project Manager Rachel Leffall told InMaricopa on Tuesday she believed “some internal adjustments” were occurring within the department but did not elaborate. Other sources at the city said Leffall was notified this week she would be terminated, but has been invited to apply to other positions in the city.

It is unclear if any other positions in OEO or other departments may be affected.

Williams said Josh Bowman, the city’s economic development director before Horst became chief strategist, will work alongside Horst “in his final months of employment
to ensure the continuity of any ongoing projects and future success of economic development within Maricopa.”

Horst is retiring and won’t take another job, Williams said.

The city in a statement to InMaricopa maintained its “team is strong” and will continue to “aggressively pursue opportunities that will make Maricopa a place where our citizens can live, work and play.”

Williams cited the Maricopa Business and Industrial Park, and the sale to Redevco Solutions, as OEO wins under Horst’s leadership.

When Horst, Leffall and former Mayor Christian Price were installed into their OEO positions half a year ago, Mayor Nancy Smith said, “We remain committed to the economic well-being of Maricopa.”

“This has never been truer than it is today,” Williams said.