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Redwood City’s top executive, Melissa Stevenson Diaz, will retire from her role as city manager in December 2025 after 10 years with the city and 34 years working in Bay Area local government, according to a Tuesday, June 24, press release. The City Council plans to determine the selection process for her replacement in the next month.
Under Stevenson Diaz’s tenure, which began in October 2015, the city began construction of the Veterans Memorial Building and Senior Center. She also advocated for a project to reconstruct State Route 84/Highway 101, aiming to reduce congestion and create safer pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
“It has been an honor and a joy to serve as city manager for Redwood City,” Stevenson Diaz said in a prepared statement. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together for this great community and I think it is the right time to pass the baton to the next city manager.”
In 2022, the League of California Cities City Manager’s Department awarded Stevenson Diaz with an Advancement of Diverse Communities award. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped the city provide vital services to residents while avoiding staff layoffs despite revenue drops, according to the press release.
“Melissa has led Redwood City with integrity, compassion and a clear vision for the future,” said Mayor Martínez Saballos in a prepared statement. “Her legacy is one of thoughtful leadership, strengthened partnerships, and deep commitment to building a city organization grounded in service. Redwood City is better because of her, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.”
In 2023, against the backdrop of resident disapproval and requests that the city spend its dollars on needed programs rather than additional pay increases for top administrators, the City Council unanimously approved salary increases for Stevenson Diaz, 10%, and the city attorney, 6%. That brought Stevenson Diaz’s base salary to $379,530 starting Oct. 24, 2023, with an additional $14,321 or 4% added to her annual base salary beginning Oct. 14, 2024. There was also controversy in 2021 when the council voted to increase Stevenson Diaz’s salary retroactively by 10%.
Before joining the city, Stevenson Diaz worked as an assistant city manager for the cities of Morgan Hill (2001-2006), Fremont (2006-2010) and Mountain View (2010-2015), according to her LinkedIn page.
Her regional leadership includes serving as chair of the San Mateo County City Managers’ Association, as a committee member of the San Mateo County Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services Joint Powers Authority, and as a member of San Mateo County’s Shared Prosperity Council. Throughout her time in Redwood City, she supported Redwood City Together, a community collaborative advancing the success of youth and families in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks. She is also a member of the Cañada College President’s Advisory Council and a long-time member of the NextGen Silicon Valley leadership team, according to the city.
A credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association, Stevenson Diaz also holds a master’s degree in public administration from San Jose State University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Mills College.
