Beaumont City Manager Kenneth Williams Announces Retirement

Williams to step down in April 2026 after over 3 years in the role.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Kenneth Williams, the city manager of Beaumont, Texas since 2022, has announced his plans to retire in April 2026. Williams informed Mayor Roy West of his decision on February 6, 2026, citing a desire to spend more time with family after nearly 40 years in local government.

Why it matters

Williams' retirement will mark the end of his over 3-year tenure as Beaumont's city manager, during which he oversaw a range of accomplishments across public safety, infrastructure, planning, finances, economic development, and innovation. His departure will require the city to begin the process of appointing a new city manager to continue building on the progress made under Williams' leadership.

The details

Williams' employment contract required at least 30 days' notice of resignation, but he has agreed to remain in the position beyond that minimum while the city begins the appointment process for his successor. During his time as city manager, Williams oversaw initiatives such as the budgeting and implementation of a Real Time Crime Center, new police and fire contracts, infrastructure improvements, economic development efforts, and the creation of an artificial intelligence committee and mental health task force.

  • Williams informed Mayor Roy West of his retirement plans on February 6, 2026.
  • Williams' tenure as Beaumont city manager began on September 6, 2022.
  • Williams' last day in the role will be April 30, 2026.

The players

Kenneth Williams

The city manager of Beaumont, Texas since 2022, who has announced his plans to retire in April 2026 after nearly 40 years in local government.

Roy West

The mayor of Beaumont, Texas, who praised Williams' leadership and service to the city during his tenure as city manager.

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What they’re saying

“Serving as city manager of Beaumont for over three years has proven invaluable to my experience as a local government official. I want to thank the citizens for this opportunity, staff for your valuable tireless contributions and acknowledge all elected officials governed during my tenure in the significant accomplishments realized while serving here. I wish the City of Beaumont and the people of the community only the best in the future.”

— Kenneth Williams, City Manager (12newsnow.com)

“For the past three years, Beaumont has been fortunate to have Kenneth Williams' steady leadership, integrity, and dedication as our city manager. His commitment to strengthening services, improving operations, and elevating the quality of life in Beaumont has made a lasting impact. We are grateful for his service and wish him every success in this next chapter.”

— Roy West, Mayor (12newsnow.com)

What’s next

The city said Williams will assist with documenting ongoing projects and ensuring a smooth transition as the search for his successor moves forward.

The takeaway

Williams' retirement after over 3 years as Beaumont's city manager marks the end of a tenure marked by significant accomplishments across multiple areas, including public safety, infrastructure, planning, finances, economic development, and innovation. His departure will require the city to find a new leader to build on this progress and continue serving the community.