Urbandale City Manager AJ Johnson has announced he will retire at the end of the year after serving in the role for 15 years. The city has started recruitment efforts for Urbandale’s next city manager.

“I’ve been hinting at retirement for so long that I’m surprised it’s still news,” Johnson said in a prepared statement. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and enjoying the community I’ve had the privilege to serve.”

Johnson is the second-longest serving city manager in the Des Moines metro area after Steve Schainker of Ames.

During Johnson’s tenure, Urbandale’s population expanded from about 39,000 residents in 2009 to more than 47,000 residents today as the city continued growing westward. He also oversaw public safety improvements, including the establishment of a new fire station, and strengthening collaborative agreements with neighboring cities to increase service delivery.

“AJ Johnson has been a steady hand at the helm of Urbandale for nearly 15 years,” Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg said in a prepared statement. “His commitment to our community is evident in the numerous accomplishments during his tenure. Through his leadership over the years with many changes and challenges along the way, Urbandale is well-positioned for a very bright future.”

Before joining the city of Urbandale, Johnson was the city administrator for the city of Muscatine for 20 years. He also previously held city administration roles in Ohio and Minnesota. Johnson graduated from Roosevelt High School and holds a bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College and a Master of Public Administration from Drake University.