New Permanent City Manager Named In San Rafael

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Paul Navazio was appointed San Rafael's permanent city manager Monday, taking over the position he had filled on an acting and interim basis since the city's former top administrator departed earlier this year.

Navazio's permanent tenure began Tuesday with an annual base salary of $354,064.56, retroactive to July 1. His contract runs through Aug. 31, 2028 and can be renewed for two-year periods after that.

“I am excited at the opportunity to continue to serve the City of San Rafael as its next City Manager,” Navazio said. “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 stepped into the city manager's duties in February following the departure of Cristine Alilovich after a performance review. The City Council formally appointed him interim city manager in April.

Alilovich later became interim city manager for the city of Sonoma.

Navazio joined San Rafael as finance director in 2023 and brought nearly three decades of California local government experience to his new role.

He served as Woodland's city manager from 2012 to 2020 and previously worked as finance director, assistant city manager and interim city manager in Davis. Earlier in his career, he held budget positions with Berkeley and Oakland and worked as a fiscal and policy analyst for California's Legislative Analyst's Office.

Navazio's compensation package also includes a $500 monthly automobile allowance, medical and life insurance, retirement benefits and a nine-month severance package.