The Moab City Council and Mayor Joette Langianese announce the appointment of Michael Black as the new Moab City Manager. Black joined the City of Moab as Community Develo
pment Director in July 2023 and has been instrumental in leading several important projects and programs during his time at the city.
Over the past year, Black has been spearheaded efforts to identify and begin work on critical flood mitigation needs in the city, overseeing the overhaul of city land use code, and leading the city’s efforts to help transition residents from the city-owned Walnut Lane trailer court. Black’s appointment was approved during the Sept. 24 Moab City Council meeting.
"I’m humbled and grateful for the trust of the City Council,” Black said. “As City Manager, I’m excited to build on the strong foundation already in place and to work with the Council, staff and community to achieve our shared goals."
Langianese said Black has quickly demonstrated his commitment to the community and the City of Moab.
“Following the resignation of our previous city manager in April, Michael took on additional responsibilities and has shown both his dedication to and his skill in identifying and addressing critical issues,” Langianese said. “He stood out as an exceptional candidate for the job because of his experience in multiple areas of municipal government, his thoughtful ideas and problem-solving skills, and his involvement in and concern for our community.”
Black is a Utah native who came to Moab in 2023 from Ashland, Oregon, where he was director of the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission, honing his skills in shaping sustainable and vibrant communities.
Prior to his work in Ashland, he served as the Director of Parks and Community Development in Grants Pass, Oregon, for four years. He also spent five years as the Community Development Director for the City of Cottonwood Heights in Utah.
“In Moab, Michael has quickly built strong working relationships with the interim city manager, city staff, and his own department members, and he has developed a solid working relationship with community organizations,” Langianese said. “His hard work and dedication to our residents are important to keeping the community involved in city issues.”
Black holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Utah and his career as a professional planner spans nearly two decades. As a certified urban planner through the American Institute of Certified planners, Black said he takes seriously his responsibility to “uphold the highest standards of excellence and ethics” in his planning practices.
“Moab is a special place, and I’m eager to continue the great work already underway. My focus will be on collaborating with the Council, our dedicated staff, and the community to keep Moab thriving and ensure we meet the goals we’ve set together,” Black said. “I’m ready for the challenge and excited to get started."
“I think we’re lucky to have him,” City Council member Jason Taylor said of Black during the Sept. 24 meeting.