Sacramento County Executive Bradley J. Hudson announced his acceptance of a new position as CEO of a private firm in Orange County, effective January 23.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with Sacramento County immensely, working with an exceptional Board of Supervisors and an outstanding team of deputy chiefs, department heads and employees,” said Hudson. “Together, we’ve been able to achieve great things, and I feel good knowing I leave the organization well-positioned for a dynamic future.”
Grappling with challenging budgets and complex social issues, Hudson continually pushed the organization to achieve more, to experiment and to think outside the box. He emphasized using technology to deliver services more efficiently, embracing cost-saving green technologies, improving municipal services to county residents, and investing in health and social services.
“Hudson has been extremely responsive to all of the Board members and we’re appreciative of how he has collaborated with us individually and as a governing board. He not only addresses our needs, but always creates solutions that are innovative and achievable,” said Susan Peters, Supervisor for District 3. “He is a problem solver, and his strong leadership has served us and the communities we represent very well.”
Significant milestones achieved during his tenure include:
- Improved services aimed at keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe, including graffiti abatement, street sweeping, code enforcement, illegal dumping removal, roadway maintenance and cleanup, illegal sign removal, and many other municipal service enhancements.
- Significant investment in health and social services including Child Protective Services, Reduction of African-American Child Deaths Project, mental health, healthcare for undocumented residents, and homeless services.
- Managed a delicately balanced budget and county financial structure that was decimated by the “Great Recession” by negotiating pension reform with nearly all of the County’s 31 bargaining units, repaying inter-fund loans, favorably settling long-term litigation and restructuring debt to reduce risk and lower costs.
- CEO initiated consolidations and reorganizations have eliminated redundancy and improved efficiency, and are saving the County millions annually including more than $7.5 million annually from the IT merger alone.
- Online services advanced including an award winning mobile-friendly website, increased social media, sharing new and innovative programs with residents and media through the SacCountyNews, launching an open-data portal to increase transparency, electronic posting of public notices, electronic filing of required forms (Form 700) and online campaign disclosures. Additionally, the County launched a 311 system which includes telephone, online and a mobile app, to make reaching the county and securing services easier than ever.
- County sustainability efforts have been recognized for excellence and have received many awards. The County was honored with the highly-competitive Beacon Award through the Institute for Local Government for replacing gas vehicles with hybrid, bi-fuel and alternative fuel models; building more electric vehicle charging stations; retrofitting streetlights to energy efficient LED technology; solid waste management; resource conservation; and many other initiatives.
- Many long-term planning projects were completed including the adoption of the General Plan, the creation of a new Development/Zoning Code, and the Housing Element. The South County Habitat Conservation Plan, in the works for nearly 20 years, will be presented for Board consideration in 2016.
“This is truly a high performing organization, as evidenced by the state and national recognition we have received, and the responsive, high-quality services we provide to our residents. Our employees represent the best in public service, and I have been fortunate to enjoy their association. I look forward to seeing what Sacramento County will accomplish in the future and am thankful for the opportunity to serve this outstanding community.”
