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Newport Beach honors retiring city manager Grace Leung; staff transition announced
Summary
The City Council on Dec. 9 recognized City Manager Grace Leung’s seven years of service with a proclamation citing fiscal stewardship, major capital projects and emergency responses; Simone Georges was introduced as the incoming city manager.
The Newport Beach City Council honored City Manager Grace Leung on Dec. 9 as she prepares to retire after more than seven years leading the city.
Mayor Joe Stapleton presented a proclamation that listed Leung’s hire date (Sept. 4, 2018) and highlighted accomplishments the council attributed to her tenure: maintaining balanced budgets, advancing major capital projects including Lido Fire Station No. 2 and San Miguel Park’s ADA upgrades, directing the Lower Harbor dredging program, and strengthening the city’s emergency and homelessness response. The proclamation also credited the fire department’s ISO Class 1 rating and new public‑safety technologies implemented under Leung’s leadership.
Leung, speaking to the council, thanked staff, council members and her family. “I am so fortunate to have gotten to know and work with so many amazing people,” she said. She reflected on the challenges the city navigated during her tenure — including pandemic and wildfire responses — and described the role as “a team sport” that relied on close coordination between council and staff.
Several elected officials and regional representatives joined the recognition. A district director from Rep. Dave Min’s office delivered a congressional certificate; Assembly Member Diane Dixon and other regional leaders praised Leung’s fiscal and managerial expertise. County Supervisor Katrina Foley presented a county resolution praising Leung’s 30‑year career in local government and seven years with Newport Beach.
Simone Georges, introduced during the reorganization portion of the meeting, said the council’s appointment of a successor is an opportunity to build on existing work: “I am excited. I am ready. We have an amazing staff,” Georges said.
The council proclaimed Dec. 9, 2025, as Grace Leung Day and presented gifts and certificates in recognition of her service. The city indicated a formal transition and seating adjustments will follow in coming weeks.
