Yountville Town Manager Raulston resigns in closed session, exit follows Commons controversy
Yountville Town Manager Brad Raulston resigned at a closed session of the Town Council today.
The town made the announcement after the meeting. His resignation “will be effective on Monday, August 31, 2026, with administrative leave until that date.”
Raulston was hired on June 30, 2023.
According to the town announcement, “Raulston has decided to care for his wife and make way for a leadership transition in the town manager position.”
The announcement cited Raulston’s accomplishments, which included, “the Town Council’s highest priority: completing the purchase of the Yountville Commons site and making the space open for the whole community.”
That purchase of the former elementary school site for $11 million was finalized in April 2024.
Subsequently Raulston led the planning process for the long-term use of the 6.8 acre site. The initial plans have since generated controversy in Yountville as details became known, leading to a citizen-led referendum in March that paused the process in order to reconsider several of its most controversial elements. At that time, the Town Council directed Raulston on the next steps. Among those directions was the selection of a neutral facilitator to assist with the process moving forward.
Yountville Mayor Margie Mohler said about Raulston’s departure, “We sincerely appreciate the outstanding service, dedication, and tireless commitment to the community that Brad brought to this role each and every day. His contributions have made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for all he has given. We wish him continued success and the very best in his future endeavors.”
In the announcement Raulston said, “The future of Yountville is bright due to staff’s commitment and the Town Council’s leadership throughout. Staff is prepared to move forward with five talented Department Heads who are experts in their fields and nearly 40 full-time employees who come to work every day to make this community better.
“Yountville is a special place that deserves to be protected and cherished.”
This is a breaking news story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
