Robert Garcia marked his last official day as mayor on Monday, thanking the thousands of city employees who help the city function and briefly highlighting some of the challenges and successes over the past eight years of his tenure.

“If it had not been for your work, we would not have been able to get through some of the most difficult years in our city’s history,” he told employees gathered for a morning reception, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Garcia, who was a councilmember for five years prior to his election as mayor in 2014, also mentioned the work done under the 2016 Measure A sales tax for infrastructure and public safety.

City Manager Tom Modica lauded Garcia for being a “fantastic partner to us” and his efforts to tell the city’s story and champion the work being done here.

Garcia, who was elected to represent the 42nd Congressional seat, said he is leaving for his new post in Washington, D.C., in early January.

On Tuesday, Mayor-Elect Rex Richardson will be sworn in to take Garcia’s place. Three new councilmembers will also be sworn in: Kristina Duggan in the 3rd District, Megan Kerr in the 5th District and Joni Ricks-Oddie in the 9th District.