W. Lane Bailey, Salisbury city manager, announced his intention to retire in December 2021, after 32 years of local government service.
“This is an exciting time for me and my family as I look forward to the next season of my life and career,” said Bailey. “Each year as we close out the budget year and begin another, I like to reflect on the year’s previous accomplishments. This past year has certainly been both challenging and historic as we navigated the global pandemic. The past few weeks as I have reflected, I fully realize that I have had a blessed life. I feel very fortunate to have worked with great people committed to improving our community.”
“On behalf of City Council and the residents, we can’t thank Lane enough for his leadership in accomplishing Council’s goals,” said Mayor Karen Alexander. “Lane, through his servant leadership, righted the ship with Fibrant, diversified the management team with top-notch talent, and improved community relations through providing a ‘listening bridge’ between residents and local government. We wish him and his family the very best as he enters this new chapter. City Council will begin the initial search for Lane’s successor immediately, ensuring transparency in respect to the candidates’ privacy.”
Bailey began his local government career in 1989 as a city manager intern with the city of Galax, Virginia. He went on to serve several North Carolina communities in positions that included budget analyst in Gaston County, N.C., and assistant county manager and county manager in Polk County. In 2000, he was named city manager of King, N.C., a position he held for four years until he accepted the position of city manager of Lenoir, N.C. He assumed his current position as city manager of Salisbury in 2015.
Since arriving in Salisbury, Bailey has sought innovative solutions to critical issues in Salisbury such as creating “Community Conversations” and “Chit Chat & Chew,” listening sessions held in various neighborhoods where City staff provided updates on City initiatives and services. In addition, understanding the need for accessibility, Bailey implemented “Meet the Manager” -- a monthly open office hour held the first Monday of each month. Bailey also successfully led the transition of the city’s municipality owned broadband utility to a public/private partnership that will benefit the City financially and provide continued broadband services.
Bailey has been a member of International City and County Manager Association (ICMA) since 1989 and the North Carolina City & County Management Association. He earned ICMA-Credentialed Manager status, the highest professional designation bestowed by the association, in 2002, and received an ICMA Service Award in recognition of his 25 years of service to local government.
Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Appalachian State University in 1987 and a Master of Public Administration from the same institution in 1989.