Greeley Deputy City Manager Don Tripp retires after 2 years with city and 46 years of public service – Greeley Tribune

Greeley’s deputy city manager recently announced his retirement after a 46-year career spanning six decades and three states.

Don Tripp retired at the end of August after nearly two years as Greeley’s deputy city manager — but he will continue to serve as a consultant to city leadership, according to a city news release.

“It was an honor for Greeley to be my final stop in my professional career,” Tripp said. “I have been fortunate to work with thousands of dedicated city employees, 11 mayors and about 50 city council members. I retire in awe of the dedication of all these civic leaders.”

Tripp began his career in 1978 as the parks and recreation director for Nevada, Iowa. He has since spent time in Ames, Des Moines, Iowa; Battle Creek, Michigan; Westminster, Colorado; and ended his nearly 50-year career in Greeley.

Since arriving in Greeley, Tripp has played a key role in numerous projects and initiatives, city staff say, including:

• Lead strategic planning initiatives that envision the future of Greeley 50 years from now, primarily developing both the east and west sides.

• Leading urban community development activities to enhance urban development and growth.

• Oversee infrastructure improvements with a focus on mobility and public transportation in Greeley.

• Playing a key role in bringing the Colorado GRIT hockey team to Greeley

• Supporting the University of Northern Colorado School of Osteopathic Medicine, which hopes to welcome its first class in 2026.

“His efforts have been instrumental in bringing several key projects and programs to fruition,” said City Manager Raymond Lee, who hired Tripp in 2022. “And his leadership has set high standards for the entire team. Greeley has benefited greatly from his expertise.”

In Trip’s new part-time contract role, he will lend his expertise to strategic city initiatives and projects. The move is intended to ease the transition to Trip’s replacement while also maintaining progress on current projects, according to the release.

“We are grateful for all that Don has done and will continue to do for the city,” Lee said. “We look forward to working with him in this next chapter and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”