City Manager Marty Lawing Will Retire in December 2026
Fort Myers City Manager Marty Lawing will step down from his municipal leadership role on December 9, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in City Hall
Fort Myers City Manager Marty Lawing announced he will retire on December 9, 2026, ending a five-year tenure leading the city. The city manager is stepping down to focus on his family and personal priorities.
Why it matters
Lawing's departure marks a leadership transition for Fort Myers after his five-year term helping manage the city's administrative functions. The Fort Myers City Council is now tasked with determining the next steps for selecting his successor.
Marty Lawing has served in local government management for more than 43 years, including two decades in North Carolina county government and 12 years as a county manager. He began his current tenure in Fort Myers on June 7, 2021.
The players
Marty Lawing
He is the current city manager of Fort Myers who is retiring after a 43-year career in local government.
Fort Myers City Council
This is the local governing body responsible for overseeing municipal operations and managing the transition for the city manager position.
The details
Lawing arrived in Fort Myers after a long career managing municipalities in Bishopville, Bennettsville, and Conway, South Carolina. The city council will soon meet to decide the administrative path forward following his upcoming exit.
Timeline
June 7, 2021: Marty Lawing began his tenure as Fort Myers manager.
December 9, 2026: Marty Lawing retires from his position.
Political Context
This transition follows the standard procedures outlined in the Fort Myers City Charter regarding executive vacancies. Critics of the current administrative structure may use this opening to push for changes in how the city recruits and retains its top-level municipal leadership.
The upcoming change in leadership may result in shifts to municipal policies, department priorities, or city administrative focus. Residents can expect the City Council to hold public meetings regarding the search for a new manager in the coming months.
The takeaway
Lawing concludes a four-decade career in local government that spanned multiple states and various county management roles. His departure allows the city council to reshape its administrative leadership as it moves into the next phase of city management.
Further reading
For more on municipal governance, visit City Hall.
