SLO County’s top administrative official abruptly resigns after more than 5 years

Stephanie Zappelli
·2 min read
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San Luis Obispo County Administrative Officer Wade Horton is resigning from his position, a county official announced Tuesday.

His last day on the job is May 1, county counsel Rita Neal said at Tuesday’s San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting.

The board discussed the issue in closed session on Tuesday, which means the public could not observe the supervisors’ conversation. The supervisors voted unanimously to accept his resignation, Neal said.

“We can’t thank Mr. Horton enough for his honorable and committed dedication to the County of San Luis Obispo,” Supervisor John Peschong said in a news release. “He is a true public servant that has made a real difference in the county throughout his tenure.”

Horton was hired as the administrative officer in November 2017 after years of experience in local government, previously serving as the San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department director and the deputy director of the city of San Luis Obispo’s utilities department.

As administrative officer, Horton oversaw the county budget and staff — navigating the county through the COVID-19 pandemic and a recent series of destructive storms.

Horton also assisted with organizing a county Homelessness Division, which is tasked to “address the nationwide problem of homelessness and working with local cities and community partners to provide affordable housing with professionalism, integrity and a spirit of cooperation,” Peschong said in the news release.

It was unclear Tuesday why Horton is resigning, or what he will do next.

The county will being a nationwide search for Horton’s replacement, looking for candidates to address issues including homelessness, mental health and affordable housing, the news release said.

“It has been an absolute privilege to serve the board, organization and residents of San Luis Obispo County for the last eight years,” Horton said in the release. “I am proud of all we have accomplished together, and I am thankful for the many opportunities the county has afforded to make a difference in our community alongside a talented staff, and so many incredible partners from local government, business, education and our nonprofit community.”