Denzel Maxwell Appointed as New City Manager

Following a unanimous vote by the City Council on September 1, Lake Oswego City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Denzel Maxwell as the new City Manager, effective October 5, 2026. Mr. Maxwell brings distinguished experience in public administration, community engagement, and strategic community development to the role.

Following a competitive national search that yielded a diverse pool of qualified candidates and interview process involving multiple community stakeholders and staff, the City Council unanimously selected Mr. Maxwell to implement Lake Oswego’s community priorities and Council policies, and lead daily City operations.

“Denzel impressed us as a leader who is curious, strategic, and deeply committed to public service,” said Mayor Joe Buck. “He understands that strong cities are built by strong organizations, and that good leadership begins with listening. We are excited for him to get to know Lake Oswego, build on what we do well, and help us find new ways to serve our community even better.”

In the role of City Manager, Maxwell will oversee daily operations, manage a team of department heads, administer the City’s budget, and work closely with the City Council and community to move key community initiatives forward.

“I am excited to serve the Lake Oswego community and honored by the confidence the Council has placed in me,” said incoming City Manager Denzel Maxwell. “I look forward to working closely with the City Council, community members, and our City staff to build on past successes and address our future opportunities together.”

Prior to joining Lake Oswego, Mr. Maxwell has served as the Assistant City Manager of the City of Fort Collins, Colorado. Prior to joining Lake Oswego, he has led high-impact city initiatives centered on digital transformation, service-delivery improvements, overseeing capital improvement projects, and supported long-term community planning through comprehensive master plan developments. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Oklahoma State University.