Thornton Hires new Assistant City Manager

THORNTON, CO… After a competitive national search, the City of Thornton has selected Jessica Prosser to fill a new Assistant City Manager position overseeing quality of life and development initiatives.

In her new role, Prosser will supervise three planned departments: Planning and Economic Development; Parks and Recreation; and Community Programs, which will consolidate code enforcement, housing and human services, and engagement functions.

Prosser has served as director of Housing and Community Services for the City of Aurora since 2020. In that role, she oversees Housing and Community Development, Code Enforcement, Animal Services and Community Engagement, including youth violence prevention and the homelessness program. Through her prior roles in Aurora and Arvada, she gained experience in the city manager’s office and in positions advancing planning, parks and recreation, engagement, sustainability and partnerships.

“We were lucky to have incredibly strong candidates reflecting on the city’s positive momentum,” says Thornton City Manager Tansy Hayward. “Jessica demonstrated strong technical expertise that not only aligns with this departmental portfolio but also brings strength and momentum to the city’s newly adopted strategic plan and to organizational changes planned this year. She demonstrated alignment with the city’s values of trust, collaboration, dedication and excellence.”

Prosser holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Colorado. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her two children, exploring the outdoors and baking.

“It is exciting to have the opportunity to build on the meaningful service experience that I have had in Arvada and Aurora and use that experience to continue to grow Thornton’s excellent quality of life and to create opportunities for all,” Prosser said. 

For more information visit www.ThorntonCO.gov.             

###