San Rafael Appoints Paul Navazio as City Manager

The City Council has appointed Paul Navazio as San Rafael's permanent City Manager. Navazio joined the City as Finance Director in July 202, and has served as Acting/Interim City Manager since February 2026.

"When Paul stepped into the Interim City Manager role, he already knew the City's budget, its departments, and its priorities from more than two years managing San Rafael's finances. In just a few months, he has already shown us what steady, experienced leadership looks like. I am grateful for his willingness to serve San Rafael as our City Manager," said Mayor Kate Colin.

"I am excited at the opportunity to continue to serve the City of San Rafael as its next City Manager," shared Paul Navazio. "I am grateful for the support of the Mayor, City Council, and City staff as we work together to advance the City Council's goals in service to the community."

Navazio brings more almost three decades of California local government experience to the role. He served as City Manager for the City of Woodland from 2012 to 2020 and held the positions of Finance Director, Assistant City Manager, and Interim City Manager for the City of Davis from 2004 to 2012. Earlier in his career, he worked as budget manager for the cities of Berkeley and Oakland and began in public service as a fiscal and policy analyst with the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office in Sacramento.

Navazio earned his Master's Degree in Administration, with a specialization in finance and public policy, from the University of California, Davis. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Rochester in New York.

Outside City Hall, Navazio is an avid tennis player, alpine skier, and occasional runner. He enjoys traveling and attending sporting events with his spouse and his four adult children. Navazio begins his permanent tenure effective August 18, and his base salary is set at $354,064.56.