201 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #501
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5111
Fax: (714) 765-5215
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
DATE: MAY 12, 2026
FROM: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: SELECTION OF EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): NO ITEM # 21
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, select an executive search firm to conduct the recruitment for the position of the City Manager and approve and authorize the Human Resources Director to negotiate and enter into an agreement with the selected firm, and any related amendments, in a total amount not to exceed $75,000, for costs associated with the contract and any contingencies that may arise from the recruitment.
DISCUSSION:
At the February 24, 2026 City Council meeting, the City Council directed the Human Resources Director to conduct a Request for Inquiry (RFI) process to solicit proposals from qualified executive search firm to conduct a nationwide search to fill the position of City Manager, a vacancy that occurred on February 4, 2026.
The Human Resources Department contacted ten (10) executive search firms specializing in public sector executive recruitment and requested proposals. The RFI emphasized several key qualifications, including demonstrated success in recruiting city managers or equivalent municipal executive recruitment, established methodologies for identifying highly qualified candidates, the ability to effectively engage with elected officials, executive leadership, and stakeholders throughout the recruitment process, and a commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality.
A total of six (6)1 proposals were received, two (2) firms declined to participate, and two (2) did not respond. A review panel consisting of executive leadership evaluated the proposals, individually, based on several key criteria such as qualifications, recruitment strategy, City Council and stakeholder engagement, communication, transparency, and ability to meet City needs. Following the evaluation process, CPS HR received the highest overall ranking, followed by Bob Murray & Associates. 1 1) Alliance Resource Consulting LLC; 2) Bob Murray & Associates; 3) Colin Baenziger & Associates; 4) CPS HR Consulting; 5) Ralph Anderson & Associates; and 6) WPCP, Inc.
City Manager Executive Recruitment Services
May 12, 2026
Upon Council selection, the Human Resources Director will negotiate and execute an agreement with the selected firm. The selected firm will work in coordination with Human Resources and the City Council to develop a comprehensive recruitment profile, establish a recruitment timeline, and conduct a nationwide recruitment process. The scope of work will include stakeholder engagement and outreach, candidate recruitment and evaluation, presentation of qualified candidates for City Council review and interviews, reporting, and background checks.
Staff and the qualified firm will provide periodic status updates to the City Council throughout the recruitment process.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Sufficient funds have been appropriated in Administration budget for FY2026/27 budget.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda N. Andal
Human Resources Director