FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2025
Steve King Joins the City as Assistant to the City Manager
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Steve King joined the City of Charlottesville today as Assistant to the City Manager. Steve brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in local, county, and state government, with a strong track record of advancing community-focused initiatives, workforce development, and equitable policy.
Most recently, Steve served as Senior Program Manager at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), where he led national initiatives to help local governments expand economic mobility, secure federal funding, and adopt innovative strategies to meet residents’ needs. His extensive public service background includes roles as Economic Development Programs Administrator for the City of Richmond, where he oversaw wealth-building and workforce development efforts aimed at disrupting cycles of concentrated poverty, and as Senior Policy Advisor to the Governor of Colorado, where he played a key role in advancing landmark equal pay legislation, supporting local minimum wage initiatives, and helping to establish the Office of Just Transition to assist coal-impacted communities in adapting to a renewable energy economy.
Earlier in his career, Steve served the Town of Bennett, Colorado through the state’s Best & Brightest Fellowship Program, which introduced him to local government service. There, he led community events like Bennett Days, National Night Out, and Trunk or Treat; served as a liaison to the local arts council, helping secure nonprofit funding eligibility; and successfully obtained $5.1 million in state funding to build a multi-modal path to downtown Bennett.
Steve holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado, a bachelor's degree in political science from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and a Master's Certificate in local government.
“I’m excited to join the City Manager’s Office during such a pivotal time in Charlottesville,” said Steve “There’s a clear recognition of residents’ needs, particularly in addressing social and economic challenges like housing insecurity. I look forward to contributing to the City’s work to support residents, strengthen organizational excellence, and continue growing as a local government leader.”
Originally from Denver, Steve is a basketball enthusiast and avid hiker and is looking forward to more adventures in Shenandoah National Park. He is married with two children.
City Manager Sam Sanders welcomes this new appointment stating, “Steve’s experience and collaborative approach will expand our ability to deliver on advancing strategic priorities, overseeing cross-departmental initiatives, and ensuring effective communication and coordination across the organization and with community stakeholders."
Media Contact
Afton Schneider
Director of Communications & Public Engagement
City of Charlottesville
434-996-0331
schneidera@charlottesville.gov