In a recent closed meeting at 12th & Oak, City Manager Troy Schulte told his colleagues that he would soon be leave his job.
The KCMO veteran didn't offer a reason but this is the best insight we've heard so far amid this news that breaks FIRST ON TKC:
"He's so close with (Former Mayor) Sly James and that gang, it seems like he just doesn't want to make friends all over again," a KC Insider said.
Behind the scenes his relationship with the new council has been tense and was soon to move to all out political warfare.
He'll wait till his contract is up in February after about a decade in the top job that runs KC more than any other . . .
There are two main consequences of this decision:
New Mayor Quinton Lucas benefits the most from this move. He'll be able to lead a new nationwide search for a new manager and help to find someone who shares his vision of Kansas City.
The emphasis is on a NATIONWIDE search insiders tell us: "We need to look outside of City Hall for a new manager, there's nobody in this building who should get that position."
Second point is more TKC's cup of tea . . .
CITY HALL NOW PREPS A KANSAS CITY CAREER MASSACRE OF DEPARTMENT HEADS AND BUREAUCRATS WHO NO LONGER HAVE TROY'S PROTECTION!!!
Nearly every Kansas City bureaucrat who has enjoyed a relatively calm ride over the past 7-8 years now has a target on their back.
The phrase "heads will roll" doesn't even begin to cut it.
Look for major changes in Water and Aviation which have long served as a dumping ground for employees too politically connected to fire.
Airport construction will also, likely, earn a massive redirect and hopefully a better solution for the abysmal traffic routing during the construction process.
Consensus: City Hall change is underway and City Manager Troy Schulte did the new mayor a huge favor by getting out of his way.
Again, a Kansas City insider sums it up better than TKC:
"Our new Mayor Quinton Lucas now has a clean slate."
And so, here are the UPDATED LOCAL LINKS AFTER TKC FIRST POSTED with a power shift nooner . . .
Northeast News: City Manager Troy Schulte announces retirement
KMBC: KCMO City Manager Troy Schulte to retire in February
KCTV5: KC city manager to retire after more than 21 years of service
KCUR: After 10 Years As Kansas City Manager, Troy Schulte Will Retire In February
KSHB: Long-time KCMO City Manager Troy Schulte will retire in February
Developing . . .