Novi city manager to retire at end of the month

NOVI — Novi City Manager Pete Auger announced his retirement last month after nearly 40 years of public service, including eight in Novi. His last day leading the city’s day-to-day operations will be Nov. 30.

Auger was appointed as Novi’s city manager in September 2014. Prior to coming to Novi, he was the city manager of Auburn Hills.

Auger is a veteran of the U.S. Army and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University. He earned his Master of Public Administration at Oakland University. He is a graduate of the Gettysburg Leadership Institute and completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. In addition, he is a credentialed city manager through the International City Managers Association.

According to a city press release, Auger is credited with securing more than $220 million in business investments for the city of Novi, including Harman International, Daifuku, Berkshire eSupply, A123 Systems, Hino Trucks, Magna Seating and Lineage Logistics, and guiding more than $95 million in infrastructure improvements for the city’s roads, water and sewer network.

Under Auger’s leadership, the Novi Police Department became nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and received state of Michigan accreditation through the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, according to the release. In 2021, the Novi dispatch center also became accredited by CALEA and the Novi Fire Department began its accreditation process. The Fire Department also was improved to staff all stations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Novi parks system also saw enhancements to Lakeshore Park with a new 6,200-square-foot community building, the addition of a remote control racetrack at the Water Tower Park and 13 new recreational fields at Bosco Fields, according to the press release. Auger also led the recent land swap between the city and the Novi Community School District, which provided each organization with the opportunity to acquire land that would better suit its needs.   

“With Mr. Auger at the helm, Novi has accomplished many amazing things these past eight years, including last week’s distinction by Fortune as the number 10 place to live in the United States for families,” Mayor Bob Gatt stated in a press release. “Our Novi remains a top destination for those to live and work in because of the work he and his team have done to ensure we remain the quality community for which we are known. He will be missed and his replacement will have big shoes to fill.”

Auger said he is most proud of the way that he has been able to see staff develop into their own public service career paths.

“I think the city is in great shape fiscally. The team that we have in position is working well. So, I think we are in a good position to continue slow and steady growth and provide great services to those who work and live here,” Auger said.

Auger had his own perspective on what will happen in the city government after his retirement.

“There is no perfect city manager, including me. So whomever the City Council selects moving forward will put their own touch on things to keep the city moving in a positive direction.”

According to the Novi city charter, the position of the city manager is appointed by the Novi City Council. The council will begin the process to fill the position shortly. Before Auger’s last day Nov. 30, a retirement celebration is planned from 6 to 9 p.m.

Nov. 22. The open house celebration will be held at Fireside Lounge at the Hyatt Place Hotel, 46100 Grand River Ave.