The hiring of a new city manager continues to take center stage.
To encourage public engagement, residents are invited to participate in an Issue Forum titled “Choosing Our Next Manager” scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
The forum will be held in person at Jefferson Auditorium, 1500 E. Villa St., and will also be accessible online.
Former Mayor and City Councilmember Chris Holden, former City Manager Cynthia Kurtz and current City Manager Miguel Márquez will comprise the panel for the forum.
Márquez in November announced plans to retire. The new City Manager could be chosen as early as March 9, according to an email announcing the forum by Councilmember Rick Cole.
In that email, Cole described the appointment as “the most important decision a City Council makes,” noting the process comes a little more than a year into the current Council term.
Cole, who previously served 20 years as a city manager in three Southern California communities, said the Council is prioritizing leadership qualities over narrow technical experience as it evaluates applicants.
Among the key attributes outlined are strategic, human-centered leadership; innovation and adaptability; and the ability to manage a complex full-service municipal organization that includes utilities, major venues and regional assets.
The Council is also seeking a candidate with a focus on workforce development and labor relations, including maintaining organizational culture, recruiting executive talent and sustaining stable union partnerships.
In addition, officials stressed the importance of an effective Council–manager relationship, including supporting policy development, carrying out Council direction and navigating political dynamics with transparency and professionalism.
Community input is being encouraged as the Council prepares to make its final selection.
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