Corpus Christi City Attorney Miles Risley announced he will retire effective Aug. 2, 2026, citing divisions on the City Council and the impact of lawsuits tied to recent removal actions.
Risley’s retirement was outlined in a memorandum dated June 17 addressed to City Manager Peter Zanoni.
In the memo, Risley wrote that divisions among council members and personal attacks stemming from removal actions had affected his ability to effectively perform his duties as city attorney.
“The deep divisions on City Council created by the removal action and lawsuits, and the personal attacks engendered by the removal action have damaged my ability to be effective as an attorney for this City,” Risley wrote.
Risley added that while he has attempted to avoid political disputes, doing so at the city level had become impossible.
The longtime city attorney also praised Zanoni’s leadership, calling him the best city manager he has worked for and commending his efforts to navigate disagreements on the council.
“You have been the best City Manager for which I have ever worked,” Risley wrote.
Risley’s retirement comes as City Hall continues to navigate legal and political disputes that have drawn public attention in recent months.