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With City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz set to retire in December after a decade at the helm, Redwood City asked residents what qualities they think the city’s next top executive should have.
Sixty-one people filled out the online survey, which asked about everything from leadership style and professional experience to where the city’s next leader should focus their time.
The most-answered question: rating the importance of different characteristics in a city manager on a scale from 1 to 5. Fewer people answered later questions, which included picking top experience areas — such as municipal finance, community outreach and long-range planning — and “spending” 10 dots on priorities like fiscal sustainability, housing affordability, public safety and infrastructure.
A word cloud of the responses puts “manager,” “community,” “strong,” and “experience” front and center, reflecting a desire for someone who can lead effectively, know the city and connect with residents.
Some respondents want the City Council to think big.
“Find someone brave to put Redwood City on the cutting edge of municipal policy,” one resident wrote, adding that the next leader should be willing to back decisions with research, “even when they might not be immensely popular.” Another urged the council not to shy away from hiring “a very strong manager and leader who is willing to innovate and push the status quo.”
Others focused on connection and equity. “Be hands on and reach out and see each area. Get to know the people in each district,” one person said. Another called for someone “deeply committed to equity, community engagement, and transparency,” with an understanding of the city’s immigrant, working-class and underserved communities.
Several responses highlighted staff relations and respect for city employees. “Show respect for all city staff, especially the parks and recreation maintenance crews,” one respondent wrote, noting their role in everything from keeping parks clean to handling homeless encampment cleanups.
Housing, public safety and development also came up repeatedly. “Don’t bend over for developers’ wants — we need affordable housing,” one person wrote. Others want a city manager who lives in Redwood City, walks or bikes around town and understands the city’s diversity.
Stevenson Diaz, who took the role in 2015, oversaw projects like the Veterans Memorial Building and Senior Center and pushed for Highway 101 and State Route 84 improvements. She also guided the city through the COVID-19 pandemic without staff layoffs.
The City Council will decide its selection process for her replacement in the coming months.
