Roseburg, OR. — Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich announced last week that he will not seek reelection, bringing his nearly three decades leading the city toward a close.
Rich notified city employees and members of the Roseburg City Council of his decision in a letter. He has served as mayor since 1998 and will complete 28 years in office when his current term ends Dec. 31, 2026.
Rich, who will be 71 at the end of his term, said the time had come to step away from public office and devote more attention to travel and recreation.
“I am at a point in my life where I want to play more, and work less,” Rich wrote. “There are still places in this world that I would like to see and visit before I can’t travel anymore.”
Rich described his years as mayor as rewarding and said the time passed more quickly than he expected.
“Twenty-eight years may sound like a very long time to volunteer to do the job, but the time went by extremely fast,” he wrote. “I really enjoyed being mayor. I had a lot of fun doing it.”
During his tenure, Rich had opportunities to meet residents from throughout the community and represent Roseburg through years of growth, challenges and changes in city government.
He thanked residents for repeatedly entrusting him with the position and expressed confidence in Roseburg’s future.
“Roseburg is truly blessed to have such wonderful people living here,” Rich wrote. “I will be forever grateful to the citizens of Roseburg for giving me the opportunity to serve.”
Rich also encouraged city employees and councilors to remain focused on serving residents as the city prepares for a transition in leadership.
“As Roseburg begins with new leadership and direction, please continue to stay focused on doing your part to keep Roseburg a great place to live and call home,” he wrote. “I firmly believe that Roseburg is the best small town in Oregon.”
Rich will remain in office through the conclusion of his current term. His successor is expected to take office in January 2027.
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