News Summary
Grace Leung, the City Manager of Newport Beach, has declared her retirement set for December 2025 amidst financial controversy and a lawsuit. Assistant City Manager Seimone Jurjis will step into the role, receiving a salary of $363,000. Despite the council’s backing, residents express concerns over dual salary payments during the transition period. A lawsuit filed against Leung claims retaliation after misconduct reports, though city officials argue the lawsuit lacks merit. Leung’s tenure has seen significant events including the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a mixed legacy as the city prepares for leadership changes.
Newport Beach – City Manager Grace Leung of Newport Beach has announced her retirement, effective December 2025, amidst ongoing controversy surrounding her salary allocation and a related lawsuit. Leung, whose current contract was set to run until the end of 2026 with a base salary of nearly $346,000, will be succeeded by Assistant City Manager Seimone Jurjis, who has been promoted to the leading role at a base salary of $363,000.
The Newport Beach City Council confirmed the amendment to Leung’s contract during a meeting where Mayor Joe Stapleton praised her contributions to the city over the years. Leung’s total compensation package for the fiscal year 2024, including benefits and pension debt, has been reported at nearly $525,000.
Despite the council’s support, residents have raised concerns about appointing a new city manager while still compensating Leung. The council voted to allocate $455,000 in the budget for fiscal year 2025-26 to cover Leung’s salary and benefits during the transitional period. Residents like local watchdog Jim Mosher have criticized this decision, calling it fiscally irresponsible to incur dual payments for both Leung and the incoming manager.
Leung’s impending retirement follows a lawsuit filed by Human Resources Director Barbara Salvini in November, which claims she faced retaliation and cover-up after reporting misconduct related to an internal audit. The audit suggested that Leung might have manipulated employee leave time for personal gain. According to allegations in the lawsuit, Leung retaliated against Salvini after she brought these issues to light, creating further tension within city operations.
The city has described the lawsuit as one “without merit,” and a hearing related to the case is scheduled for August 4. City officials have made it clear that Leung’s decision to retire should not be seen as a response to this legal challenge. They have affirmed that after Leung’s retirement, Jurjis’s contract will not overlap with her tenure as city manager.
Grace Leung has been a part of the Newport Beach leadership team since September 2018, successfully navigating the city through multiple challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also held prior roles as a local government official in Irvine and Sunnyvale, where she developed her skills in public administration and community leadership.
The Newport Beach City Council is expected to vote on the appointment of Jurjis as city manager during an upcoming meeting on July 22, solidifying the transition of leadership as the city moves forward. Leung’s legacy will be a combination of her impactful service and the cloud of controversy that accompanied her tenure, leaving the council and residents to consider the future direction of city management.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Newport Beach City Manager Retirement Date
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach, California
- Orange County Register: Newport Beach’s Fiscal Folly
- Google Search: Newport Beach City Manager
- Newport Beach Indy: City Manager Update on Boardwalk Safety
- Google Scholar: Newport Beach Government Management
- Los Angeles Times: Seimone Jurjis City Manager
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport Beach
- Newport Beach Indy: City Manager Update
- Google News: Newport Beach City Council
