SE Kansas City News

Zach Walker, who has served as City Manager of Independence, Missouri since 2016, will step down from his role this fall to become the City Manager in Bloomington, Minnesota. Walker joined the City of Independence in 2012 as a Management Analyst and advanced through several positions before taking on the top appointed office.

“It has been the honor of my career to serve the people of Independence. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the past several years. While I am excited to embark on this next chapter in my career with Bloomington, I leave Independence with nothing but gratitude, pride, and a deep respect for this city and the people who make it special,” Walker said.

During his tenure as City Manager, Walker oversaw key projects and initiatives. These included securing passage of the city's first General Obligation Bond that allocated $55 million toward infrastructure improvements; completion of a $1 billion industrial development project and a $36 million commercial redevelopment; launching a Convention and Visitor’s Bureau along with a new Tourism Master Plan; increasing reserve funds from 3% to 17% of the overall city budget while reducing long-term debt; managing multiple union contract negotiations; introducing the award-winning Independence TOGETHER program aimed at helping vulnerable residents achieve home ownership; and starting the ARCH program which pairs Health Services social workers with fire department paramedics to better address critical emergencies.

Mayor Rory Rowland commented on Walker's departure: “Zach led with both focus and heart, and we wish him continued success in Bloomington. His work laid a strong foundation and a city poised for the future."

Walker’s last day is scheduled for October 12, 2025. The process for selecting his successor will be discussed during an executive session of the Independence City Council set for August 12, 2025.