Lakewood City Manager Kathy Hodgson announced she will retire this summer, ending nearly 18 years as city manager and a public service career that spans 46 years with the city.
Hodgson is the highest paid city employee across all Jefferson County municipalities, according to Jeffco BdB’s list of Jeffco City Employee Salaries. Her salary in 2025 was $362,825.
Hodgson began her work with Lakewood as a lifeguard at the Morse Park pool and later moved through the organization. She served as community resources director before becoming city manager.
Lakewood City Council hired Hodgson as city manager almost 18 years ago. She has been the longest tenured city manager in the state and has led efforts described by the city as strengthening community engagement and improving city operations.
In her announcement, Hodgson said: “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the City of Lakewood. There is nothing more rewarding than experiencing local government in action, and I will truly miss it. What makes this community so special is its people – our employees, elected officials, partners and residents – who make it very hard to leave.”
She added: “While this was a difficult decision, I’m confident it is the right one, and I know Lakewood is well positioned to thrive.”
The city said Hodgson’s tenure included securing 192 acres for parks and open space since 2018, overseeing major infrastructure investments to address safety and flooding issues, and leading regional efforts related to homelessness. The city also cited work on sustainability efforts such as increasing electric vehicles in the city’s fleet, installing solar power at Whitlock Recreation Center, adding EV charging stations at city facilities, and creating a residential composting program.
Lakewood also listed several recognitions during Hodgson’s leadership, including being named City Manager of the Year in 2025, earning All-America City Awards in 2011 and 2016, and receiving a Hall of Fame Award in 2025. The city said she helped launch the Sustainable Neighborhoods Program, which has been copied by cities in other states, and supported a community campus plan with Jeffco Public Schools and a local nonprofit.
The city said a transition plan is underway and will be a factor in determining Hodgson’s official retirement date.
Primary source: City of Lakewood
