San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon announced Thursday that she is stepping down to take on a new role as a statewide climate advocate.
During a press conference at City Hall, Harmon said she is taking a new job as the Senior Public Affairs Director for the Romero Institute's Let's Green CA initiative.
The Institute describes Let's Green CA as a climate justice movement with the goal of creating a carbon-neutral California.
Climate action has been a major city goal since Harmon took office, and the city has adopted a plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.
Harmon was elected mayor in 2016.
City officials say Harmon will leave office by Sept. 26, 2021. The city council is scheduled to meet on September 7 to decide whether to appoint someone to fill the mayor's position or hold a special election.
If the council decides to appoint someone, city officials say an application period will open in September and an appointment will be made at a council meeting in October. That person will hold the office through the end of the term in December 2022.
If the council decides on a special election, it must be held within 150 days of Harmon leaving office.
