Ortega, who took the job in June 2015, said he has led the city's approximately 5,000 employees “through some of the most difficult times in our region's recent history,” according to a city news release Friday.

The city's budget is usually approved in June.

“Mr. Ortega achieved early success as a manager working with the Mayor and City Council to turn around the financial effects of a prolonged recession and re-assure the city's fiscal and budget stability,” the news release said. .

“This included building the financial sector confidence necessary to raise the city's bond rating to the highest rating on all three rating agencies…coupled with the confidence of Tucson's voters and community Investments of more than $1 billion in infrastructure have been made possible through the success of several ballot initiatives.”

Ortega said in a written statement that he has “no concrete plans” for what he will do after leaving office.

“I am proud of the work I have done for the people of this community, along with our dedicated employees, and in service to this Mayor and City Council…Together, we are proud of the past… “We have accomplished a lot over eight and a half years, and I have full confidence that Tucson's successful trajectory will continue into the future,” he wrote. “This is a truly special city and I felt accepted by the residents from my first day on the job. My family and I were happy to have this opportunity. It was an honor.”

Mayor Regina Romero said the city is “on track” to build what Mr. Ortega built.

“I am grateful for the great partnership I have had with Michael Ortega and wish him all the best in whatever his future holds,” Romero said in a statement.

“As Mayor of Tucson, I have worked hard to set a vision for the work of the City Council. Thanks to Michael's support and leadership, we have made incredible progress in making that vision a reality. I accomplished it,” she said.

Romero said she and her colleagues will work with Ortega and the management team over the coming months to “provide a smooth transition plan for the benefit of our community and employees.”

The basic salary for this position is approximately 3 million yen per year.