Proclamation
Whereas, on April 8, 2002, Andrew Thomas began his career with the City of Alameda, first as a Supervising Planner, and later as Planning Services Manager, City Planner, and Assistant Community Development Director. In 2019, Andrew was appointed to be Director of the City’s Planning, Building, and Transportation Department. Twenty-one years later, at the end of this month, Andrew Thomas will retire after a long and distinguished career; and
Whereas, Andrew’s Master’s degree in City Planning from the University of California at Berkeley served him well these past two decades, as he helped Alameda navigate significant land use, housing, and transportation challenges. With Andrew at the forefront, Alameda experienced a transformation of the former Alameda Naval Air Station into Alameda Point, a combination of residential, commercial, and recreational uses, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the San Francisco skyline; and
Whereas, Andrew worked tirelessly to bring other significant development projects to fruition, including the Harbor Bay Business Park, Marina Village, Alameda Landing, Alameda Marina, the Del Monte Building, Encinal Terminals, and the Alameda Wellness Center; and
Whereas, Andrew also led some of the City’s most complex transportation projects, including requiring all new developments to fund transit passes for new residents and employees, construction of the Seaplane Lagoon ferry terminal, implementing miles of new bike lanes and sidewalks, and planning a bicycle and pedestrian bridge across the Estuary; and
Whereas, as a result of Andrew’s skill and perseverance, the City of Alameda completed its 2040 General Plan and Housing Element ahead of schedule, becoming the first city in Northern California to have its Housing Element certified by the State. For this unwavering effort to accommodate Alameda’s future housing needs while affirmatively furthering fair housing across the island, this Housing Element earned an “Award of Merit” from the American Planning Association’s California – Northern Sector; and
Whereas, during 21 years of steadfast service to Alameda, including attendance at more City Council, Board, and Commission meetings than can be tallied , and authoring countless pages of staff reports and presentations, Andrew’s inspired leadership resulted in the completion of plans for over 15,000 units of housing, the creation of more than 12,000 jobs, preservation of 300 acres for parks and open space, and numerous other public benefits; and
Whereas, Andrew is well regarded among City staff as the ultimate team player, always willing to enthusiastically accept “other duties as assigned ,” including Planning Section Chief of the Emergency Operations Cente r during the COVID -19 pandemic, Acting Base Reuse and Economic Development Director, and currently, Strategic Advisor to the Base Reuse and Economic Development, and Planning, Building, and Transportation Departments; and
Whereas, over the past 21 years, Andrew Thomas consistently delivered devoted service to Alameda residents and businesses.
His expertise and dedication improved every project he was associated with, and his passionate, courageous leadership, and commitment to fair, transparent, and just decision-making leaves Alameda a better place than he found it. Andrew’s unfailing sense of humor, and the pure joy he brought to the workplace will be greatly missed.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, on behalf of the Alameda City Council, do hereby express our deepest thanks and appreciation to Andrew Thomas for his invaluable service to the City of Alameda, and proclaim Tuesday, December 19, 2023, as
Andrew Thomas Day
in the City of Alameda, and encourage all residents to join us in celebrating Andrew’s lasting service to the City. We wish Andrew All the Best in his well-deserved retirement where we hope his days are filled with travel, surfing, and ultimate Frisbee.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor