Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard announced plans to retire Jan. 31, 2020, during city council's regular meeting June 18.

Bogard has 44 years of public service experience with 25 years spent in Sugar Land, 19 of which he served as city manager, according to a release from the city.

"I'd like to thank our current and former members of city council for the opportunity to work in a special place like Sugar Land," Bogard said. "When I accepted the honor of serving as Sugar Land city manager in October 2001, I made a commitment to myself to leave the city in as good or better condition than I received it from my predecessor, David Neeley. I believe that I will achieve this commitment upon my departure from the city as evidenced by the city's high level of service and financial strength, confirmed by our AAA bond rating."

During Bogard's nearly two decades as city manager, Sugar Land has more than doubled in population and seen the development of Sugar Land Town Square, First Colony Mall, Constellation Field, the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, the University of Houston at Sugar Land and the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, according to the release.

In addition, Bogard has provided leadership for numerous annexations, including First Colony, Avalon, RiverPark, Greatwood and New Territory.

The Sugar Land City Charter identifies the city manager as the chief executive officer. The manager prepares a budget for the council's consideration; recruits, hires and supervises city staff; serves as the council's chief adviser; enforces laws and ordinances; manages day-to-day affairs; and implements policy decisions.

Next steps include conducting an open search for the city's next city manager.