Swallow’s Promotion Makes Tucson the First City with an All-Female Assistant City Manager Team

Kristina Swallow has been appointed as Tucson’s new assistant city manager, overseeing a range of departments including Parks and Recreation, Transportation and Mobility, and Planning and Development Services. This appointment marks a significant milestone for the city, as it establishes an all-female lineup of assistant city managers for the first time in recent memory.

Swallow joins three other women in the city manager’s leadership team, working alongside City Manager Tim Thomure, Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Anna Rosenberry, and Assistant Manager Liz Morales, as well as Chief of Staff Lane Mandle. Thomure expressed confidence in Swallow’s capabilities, stating her proven track record and community commitment will enhance the city’s efforts.

Thomure, who took over as city manager this summer, highlighted the diverse expertise of his team. “We are fortunate to have three incredibly capable assistant city managers, each bringing a unique background. They are exemplary leaders with a shared mission to advance Tucson’s future,” he remarked.

Swallow has been with the city since May 2023, previously serving as the head of the Planning and Development Services Department. “Joining the City Manager’s Office is an exciting opportunity to work with an incredible team and continue my commitment to Tucson, my hometown,” she stated, emphasizing her eagerness to collaborate with various public works departments.

Her academic qualifications include a B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree from the University of Nevada. Prior to her role in Tucson, Swallow directed the Nevada Department of Transportation, managing a $1 billion budget and overseeing 1,800 employees.

During her tenure at Tucson’s Planning and Development Services Department, Swallow implemented several initiatives aimed at improving customer service and transparency. Recently, the department launched a Permit Dashboard, providing real-time insights into the permitting workflow and enhancing public access to information. Additionally, permit review lanes were introduced to expedite processing times for various applications.

Swallow’s commitment to innovation is evident in her leadership of the Casita Model Plan Design Competition, which supports creative housing solutions. This initiative has led to the development of a Model Plan Library featuring pre-approved designs aimed at affordable housing. Furthermore, she is spearheading efforts to revitalize underutilized commercial corridors, transforming vacant areas into viable housing and commercial spaces aligned with community needs.