Tempe City Attorney Brad Woodford, at age 60, announced his retirement this week, after 34 years working for the City of Tempe.
Woodford has served as city attorney for the past four years.
"Brad Woodford is a wonderful human being with three decades of experience and service to city," said City Manager Will Manley.
Woodford started working for the city in 1969 as assistant city attorney and has since worked with six city managers and five mayors.
"It's been a long time," said Woodford, reminiscing about his tenure. He won't leave his position, though, until June 2003, the end of the fiscal year.
Woodford said, out of 34 years with the city, he was most proud of his role in the redevelopment of the entire city.
"I worked on many condemnation cases and drafted legislation regarding redevelopment," Woodford said.
Manley said Woodford's biggest contribution to the city was his implementation of the court diversion program.
"The court diversion program, through counseling and community service, helps first-time offenders stay out of trouble," Manley said.
Woodford said he hasn't given much thought to the retirement lifestyle.
"I don't know what I'm doing after this," Woodford said. "I haven't decided yet."
Woodford said he wants to see Tempe continue its redevelopment projects.
"I want the city to continue development in the Tempe Town Lake area," Woodford said.
The city attorney is hired by the city council. A replacement has not yet been announced.
Reach the reporter at meagan.pollnow@asu.edu.
