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Doug Robertson to Retire as Apple Valley Town Manager; Todd Bodem Named Successor

Apple Valley, CA – Oct 14, 2025 – After eight years leading the Town of Apple Valley, Town Manager Doug Robertson has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the year. Robertson joined Apple Valley in January 2018 following the Town Council’s approval of his employment agreement in November 2017. During his tenure, he guided the community through significant periods of growth, infrastructure improvements, financial stability, and advancement of arts and culture that strengthened Apple Valley’s reputation as “A Better Way of Life.”

 

“Serving the residents and businesses of Apple Valley has been an incredible honor,” said Robertson. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such dedicated Town staff and an engaged community.”

 

Robertson’s career in public service spans more than three decades. Prior to his time in Apple Valley, he served the City of Victorville for 15 years, including seven years as City Manager. He also held roles with California State University, San Bernardino, and the City of San Bernardino. Robertson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and plans to retire in the area.

 

At its October 14 meeting, the Apple Valley Town Council appointed Todd S. Bodem as the next Town Manager. Bodem was selected from a nationwide pool of candidates following an extensive recruitment process. He will become the fifth Town Manager since Apple Valley’s incorporation in 1988.

 

Bodem brings a wealth of experience in local and regional government and real estate development. He has served as a city and county administrator for over 23 years in Minnesota and California and has also worked in real estate land development on multimillion-dollar residential projects. His leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and integrity, with a commitment to building strong teams and high-quality results.

 

“Apple Valley is a truly special community, and I am excited to join a team that is so deeply dedicated to its residents,” said Bodem. “I look forward to working with the Council, staff, and community partners to continue building on the Town’s success.”

 

Born in Minneapolis, Bodem earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Local and Urban Affairs with a Minor in Minority Studies from St. Cloud State University, and a Master of Urban Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He also holds a California Real Estate License.

 

Mayor Scott Nassif praised both leaders: “Doug Robertson has provided Apple Valley with steady, visionary leadership, and we thank him for his years of service. As we look to the future, we are confident that Todd Bodem’s experience, creativity, and collaborative approach will serve our Town well.”

 

For more information, visit www.AppleValley.org.

 

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APPLE VALLEY, Calif. – August 24, 2026 – The California Supreme Court today issued its opinion in the Town of Apple Valley’s water acquisition case, resolving a statewide legal question concerning the standard courts must apply when a public entity seeks to acquire a privately owned utility through eminent domain.

The Supreme Court held that a trial court must exercise its independent judgment and determine whether the utility has proven, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the statutory requirements for the acquisition have not been met. The Court rejected the more deferential standard previously adopted by the Court of Appeal.

The Supreme Court did not, however, finally resolve the Town’s appeal or determine whether the trial court’s judgment should ultimately stand. Instead, it returned the case to the Court of Appeal to reconsider the remaining issues raised by the Town.

The Court of Appeal must now decide whether the other issues it previously identified with the trial court’s ruling, including the trial court’s reliance on events that occurred after the Town adopted its Resolutions of Necessity, are serious enough to overturn the ruling despite the Supreme Court’s decision on the legal standard.

“We are disappointed that the Supreme Court rejected the legal standard adopted by the Court of Appeal,” said Mayor Scott Nassif. “But today’s opinion does not end the case. The Court of Appeal must still consider the remaining errors identified in the trial court proceedings, and the Town will continue to protect the interests of Apple Valley residents throughout that process.”

The Supreme Court’s opinion also does not authorize or prohibit the Town’s proposed acquisition of the water system. Further proceedings before the Court of Appeal will determine the next stage of the case.

The Town and its legal team are reviewing the opinion and will evaluate the appropriate next steps.

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Doug Robertson to Retire as Apple Valley Town Manager

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Press ReleasesDoug Robertson to Retire as Apple Valley Town Manager; Todd Bodem Named Successor