Bob Thomas, who held the post for 6 years, stepped down in December. Assistant City Manager Kerridge was appointed to temporarily replace him while city officials searched for a permanent replacement.

Tuesday, Mayor Heather Fargo announced that Kerridge would fill the post.

Kerridge came to Sacramento from Portland, Oregon where he’s credited with helping to boost Portland’s economic revitalization by streamlining the building permit process. The 58 year old London native was recruited by the City of Sacramento last year to do the same thing here.

KXJZ’s Steve Milne spoke with Kerridge in January and asked him how Sacramento compares with Portland.