Familiar Face, New Chapter: Aurora Yager Appointed Wayzata City Manager

After a months-long search, Wayzata has its next City Manager. Aurora Yager, a familiar face at City Hall, officially takes the reins this week.

The search for Wayzata’s next administrative leader didn’t have to go far. Following an extensive national search that drew over 30 applicants, the City Council officially appointed Aurora Yager as City Manager during their March 10 meeting.

Yager is a known quantity in Wayzata, having served as Deputy City Manager since 2019 and stepping into the Interim City Manager role last October. Her career path - which includes a stint as an administrative intern in Eden Prairie and a leadership role in Howard Lake - now brings her to the top post at 600 Rice Street.

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During his State of the City address just prior to the official vote, Mayor Andrew Mullin noted the "rigorous process" the council undertook, including panels with community members and employees. Yager’s deep familiarity with Wayzata’s $23 million budget and 175-person staff likely gave her the edge in a field that included finalists from across the region.

She takes over permanently from Jeff Dahl, who departed last summer for Woodbury. For residents, Yager’s appointment signals continuity during a time of significant growth, including the ongoing Panoway projects and new development proposals on the city's northeast edge.