Scottsdale Hires New Assistant City Manager from Grand Junction

The city of Scottsdale, Arizona, has announced the hiring of a new assistant city manager, who will be joining the city from Grand Junction, Colorado. Greg Caton, who has been serving as the city manager of Grand Junction since 2016, will be taking on the new role in April 2024.

Caton’s Achievements in Grand Junction

During his tenure as the city manager of Grand Junction, Caton has been credited with numerous achievements that have improved the quality of life and economic development of the city. Some of his notable accomplishments include:

Creating a strong director team and developing a vision for Grand Junction
Establishing long-term plans for the city and working to bring Richmark property with 256 units to the heart of downtown
Creating a thriving economic climate that attracted Costco to build in GJ
Building a new employee-based childcare facility
Transportation expansion of $70 million in voter-approved infrastructure and improvements
National recognition for the city through the efforts of the Destination Marketing Organization Visit GJ
De-Bruced Tabor allowing the city to retain excess tax revenue collected for programs and services
Renovated and improved the Lincoln Park Sports Stadium Complex
Achieved voter approval of a proposal to build a community recreation center (CRC) at Matchett Park
Since 2020 two more fire stations have been built with another planned for completion in 2025
Created a Co-Responder Unit for the Grand Junction Police Department to provide aid during mental health crises
Improved Standard and Poor’s Credit Rating, upgraded from AA- to AA eliminating the requirement for a debt service reserve and lowering the city’s borrowing costs
More than doubled the General Fund Reserve
Renovated the Grand Junction Convention Center expanding convention business
Major trail construction connecting the riverfront trail to Lunch Loop biking and hiking
Leveraged millions of dollars in grant funds to complete major capital community projects
Led the community in a collaborative effort to respond to the impacts of the Pandemic

Caton also worked on several projects along the riverfront, such as Las Colonias and Dos Rios, showing the community what they could have as a special place there.

Caton’s Reasons for Leaving Grand Junction

Caton said that he decided to leave Grand Junction for personal and professional reasons. He said that his family is in the Phoenix metro area, and this opportunity with the city of Scottsdale allows him to be right there to support his parents. He also said that he was impressed by the city of Scottsdale and its leadership, and that he looks forward to working with them.

Grand Junction City Manager

Caton said that he is grateful for his time in Grand Junction and the relationships he has built with the city council, staff, and community. He said that he is proud of what they have accomplished together and that he will miss the city.

Caton’s Transition Plan and Replacement Process

Caton said that he does not have a specific end date for his tenure in Grand Junction, but that it will be sometime in April. He said that he will be continuing his normal duties as city manager until then, and that he will also work with the city council to develop a smooth transition plan to an interim city manager.

The city of Grand Junction said that they will begin the process of searching for a permanent replacement for Caton, which could take nine to 12 months. The city said that they will seek input from the community and stakeholders on the qualities and qualifications they want in their next city manager.

The city also thanked Caton for his service and leadership, and wished him well in his new position.