ATTACHMENT 2
Peckham & McKenney Proposal
———————— Peckham & McKenney, 300 Harding Boulevard, Suite 203D, Roseville, CA 95678 ———————— October 22, 2025
Mayor Beckmeyer, Vice Mayor Boles, and Council Members Bier, Espinosa and Wright c/o of Michelle Marchetta Kenyon, City Attorney
City of Pacifica
170 Santa Maria Avenue
Pacifica, CA 94044
Via PDF/Email To: [email protected]
Dear Mayor Beckmeyer and Members of the City Council,
Thank you for considering Peckham & McKenney for the City of Pacifica search for City Manager. We were honored to conduct the 2017 placement that resulted in Kevin Woodhouse as your City Manager, and we appreciate the opportunity to return and represent the City again in this important search.
As a boutique, well established, and experienced firm that only conducts in recruitments for municipalities and specializes in California searches, Peckham & McKenney is known for achieving successful and longterm placements. Among our many strong attributes, cities choose us for the following 4 significant reasons:
• We limit the number of concurrent searches in order to directly focus on serving our client. • We prioritize a respectful, thorough and complete process, including regular communication with our client and applicants, to represent our client in the best light, keep everyone informed, and make the recruitment process positive for everyone.
• Your Recruiter is personally, solely, and directly doing, and responsible for, all aspects of the search; your Recruiter is also your one point of contact. In other words, the individual who knows the City, the client interests, and the responsibilities of the position being filled is handling all components of the recruitment (for example, preparing the Candidate Profile, conducting outreach, reviewing applicants, presenting applicants, facilitating interviews and conducting reference checks). • We actively and personally search for, find, and pursue candidates. We don’t rely on ads and posts for attracting applicants; we don’t act as a supermarket for prospective applicants to simply find a position of interest on our website. Through an extensive personal and corporate network, and with a thorough understanding of what our client is looking for, we use the telephone and LinkedIn along with text, email and social media to find individuals and promote the opportunity.
Our Peckham & McKenney team is comprised of retired municipal managers and directors who are passionate about the public sector. I am proud to be on the Peckham & McKenney team because the firm’s values and priorities align with mine – to assist public agencies in furtherance of good government; to place quality above quantity; and to build long lasting relationships with those in the public service. ———————— Peckham & McKenney, 300 Harding Boulevard, Suite 203D, Roseville, CA 95678 ———————— Furthermore, for this important position and search, I will serve as your Recruiter. Formerly a City Manager and now a Recruiter, I am very familiar with the responsibilities associated with the complexities of managing a City (and a coastal City), the skills necessary for working successfully with the City Council and staff team, and importance of community relations and services. I understand the expectations of this position, and the needs/interests of a dynamic organization like the City of Pacifica.
Attached is a detailed proposal for conducting the search that includes information about our firm, process, timeline, resources, references, experience and fee. We charge a fixed, all-inclusive fee for searches. Knowing what is necessary to be successful, including public engagement through a survey, we are proposing $34,500.
If our firm and I are the Ad Hoc Committee’s recommended consultant for the search process, I am also pleased to personally discuss our proposal and search process at the City Council meeting on November 17.
Thereafter, I am prepared to start immediately.
I am excited for the opportunity to implement the process leading to the successful placement of a candidate that “fits” your interests and the organization. Please feel free to call me at 310.567.1554 if there are any questions.
Sincerely,
Executive Recruiter
Anton “Tony” Dahlerbruch
Enclosure:
City of Pacifica Search Proposal
Example Candidate Profiles (Los Gatos, San Luis Obispo, and South San Francisco) ———————— Peckham & McKenney, 300 Harding Boulevard, Suite 203D, Roseville, CA 95678 ———————— City of Pacifica
RECRUITMENT PROPOSAL
for
City Manager
October 22, 2025
———————— Peckham & McKenney, 300 Harding Boulevard, Suite 203D, Roseville, CA 95678 ————————
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHY CHOOSE US? 2
EXPERIENCE 3
YOUR RECRUITMENT TEAM 5
THE SEARCH PROCESS AND SCHEDULE 7
COST OF SERVICES 8
Cost of Services
Process of Payment
Insurance
GUARANTEE AND DIVERSITY 9
Guarantee
Diversity Statement
2 | Peckham & McKenney
3 | Peckham & McKenney
EXPERIENCE
With our recruitment team that solely consists of retired City Managers, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs and Department Heads, and our expert support team, Peckham & McKenney brings more experience and knowledge of local government and executive search than any other California recruiter. Just a few of our recent recruitments for a City Manager have been for:
Ø City of Big Bear Lake, CA
Ø City of Brentwood, CA
Ø City of Hermosa Beach, CA
Ø Town of Los Gatos, CA
Ø City of Malibu, CA
Ø City of Morro Bay, CA
Ø City of Pittsburg, CA
Ø City of San Luis Obispo
Ø City of Santa Barbara, CA
Ø City of Santa Maria, CA
Ø City of Santee, CA
Ø City of South San Francisco, CA
Ø City of Stockton, CA
Ø City of Sunnyvale, CA
Please don’t hesitate to contact these agencies as well as our large list of current and former clients on our website (here); they will attest to our quality of service, on-going communication throughout the process, personal and direct outreach and sourcing of candidates, quality applicant pool, written materials and interview facilitation.
As an ambassador of our clients, Peckham & McKenney is also known for maintaining ongoing communications with our applicants throughout the search process, treating every applicant with respect, and appropriately informing candidates to support their best effort. The numerous compliments we have received from applicants fairly illustrate this reputation.
Comfortable and Professional
Experience
“I’d like to thank you again for your support
and guidance throughout the recruitment and
selection process. It was a comfortable and
professional experience, and I attribute a great
deal of that to you. It’s my hope that our
professional paths may cross again in the
future.” Candidate
Straightforward, Friendly, and Humane
Recruitment Process
“I wanted to let you know what a terrific job I
thought you and Peckham & McKenney did on the
recruitment. It was absolutely the most
straightforward, friendly, and humane recruitment
process I’ve ever participated in. And I would feel
the same way even if the outcome was not
successful for me.” Candidate
4 | Peckham & McKenney
Testimonials from clients and candidates are at https://www.peckhamandmckenney.com/testimonials.
Please feel free to contact any of the following clients to inquire about their experience with Peckham & McKenney. In addition, we would be pleased to furnish the client contact and phone numbers for any other past clients referenced in this proposal on are our website.
City of Big Bear Lake Councilmembers Rick Herrick and Randall Putz, and / or Erik Sund, City Manager (909) 866- 5831; [email protected], [email protected] and / or [email protected] City of Santa Maria, CA – City Manager
Mayor Alice Patino and / or David Rowlands, City Manager (805) 925-0951 x 2188; [email protected] or (805) 925.0951 x2200; [email protected] City of San Luis Obispo, CA – City Manager
Mayor Erica Stewart, Members of the City Council and / or Whitney McDonald, City Manager (805) 540-1154; [email protected] or (805) 781-7114; [email protected] City of Santa Barbara, CA – City Administrator
Mayor Randy Rowse, Members of the City Council and / or Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator (805) 564-5322; [email protected] or (805) 564-5305; [email protected] City of Santee, CA – City Manager
Rida Freeman, Human Resources Director and / or Shawn Hagerty, City Attorney (619) 258-4100 x 131; [email protected] or (619) 347-4837; [email protected] You Made Me Feel So Comfortable
“This is my first time working with a recruiting
company, and I’m so happy for having the
opportunity to work with your company, wow! I
truly enjoyed the process! Your interview skills
are amazing! You made me feel so comfortable
and I felt like I was just talking shop with a
longtime friend. Thanks for the personal touch
that you include in your job, I believe that this is
what makes your firm so desirable and
successful.” Candidate
Proactive and Responsive
Diana worked with the City to fill the Chief of Police
position early in 2023. Diana is clearly well respected in the LEO community and has a vast network
which led to a competitive pool of candidates for the
City to select from. Diana was proactive from our
very first meeting and always very responsive. The
City team valued Diana’s integrity, opinion and sense
of humor. She was a pleasure to work with and I
wouldn’t hesitate to hire her for any executive
recruitment critical to your organization. Client
5 | Peckham & McKenney
YOUR RECRUITMENT TEAM
Our Approach
With every Peckham & McKenney recruitment, your Recruiter has the entire Peckham & McKenney team of Recruiters and administrative personnel for backup, support, collaboration, and sourcing. However, when you retain Peckham & McKenney, your Recruiter serves as your single point of contact throughout the entire search process and is fully responsible for its success.
Moreover, in order to fully focus on your search and finding applicants that fit with the ideal candidate you are seeking, your Recruiter also maintains no more than 6 active searches.
The Executive Recruiter for you in this search is Tony Dahlerbruch.
Tony Dahlerbruch, Executive Recruiter
Managing Member (owner) of Peckham & McKenney Executive Search Tony worked in local government over 30 years before joining the Peckham & McKenney team. His experience spans most every city department in the Cities of Beverly Hills, California; Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona; and Rockville, Maryland, with ultimately serving a combined 12 years as City Manager in Rolling Hills and Palos Verdes Estates, California. Tony has represented the City Managers Department in CalCities as a two term Director on the Executive Board, President of City Managers Department, and member of numerous Policy Committees. He has also served as a Regional Vice President on the Executive Board of the International City/County Management Association. Tony holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Master of Public Administration from The American University in Washington, D.C.
Tony is supported by the following team.
Anton “Tony” Dahlerbruch, Executive Recruiter
Tony Dahlerbruch worked in local government over 30 years before joining the Peckham & McKenney team.
His experience spans most every city department in the Cities of Beverly Hills, California; Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona; and Rockville, Maryland, with ultimately serving a combined 12 years as City Manager in Rolling Hills and Palos Verdes Estates, California. Tony has represented the City Managers Department in CalCities as a two term Director on the Executive Board, President of City Managers Department, and member of numerous Policy Committees. He has also served as a Regional Vice President on the Executive Board of the International City/County Management Association. Tony holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Master of Public Administration from The American University in Washington, D.C.
Joyce Johnson, Operations Manager
Joyce Johnson joined Peckham & McKenney in 2005 and serves as the firm’s Operations Manager. She has over 30 years' experience in the field of administrative and executive support for all aspects of the executive Peckham & McKenney Team
6 | Peckham & McKenney
recruitment process. She oversees internal administration of the firm as well as directing contract administrative support in the areas of advertising and design, web posting, and duplication and mailing services. Prior to joining Peckham & McKenney, Ms. Johnson oversaw internal administration in the Western Region headquarters of two national management consulting and executive recruitment firms. Ms. Johnson is complimented regularly on her strong customer orientation working with both clients and candidates alike.
Ms. Johnson holds an Associate of Arts degree from American River College.
Tayler Bergstrom, Research Assistant
Tayler Bergstrom joined Peckham & McKenney in 2022 and currently serves as a Research Associate. Tayler is currently pursuing a PhD at UCLA where she worked previously as a lab manager overseeing various research projects. Prior to that, Tayler graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.
Linda Pucilowski, Graphic Designer
With nearly 30 years of experience, Linda Pucilowski provides her expert design and marketing skills to Peckham & McKenney. She is the firm’s “go-to” professional for all advertising and brochure design and creation. Ms. Pucilowski holds a Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sacramento.
Rachel Moran, Website & Social Media Assistant
Rachel Moran has been in the graphic design field since 2007 and prides herself on creating eye-catching visual art. She supports the Peckham & McKenney team by handling all website visual and technical design as well as social media. Ms. Moran graduated from the Art Institute of Houston obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design.
7 | Peckham & McKenney
8 | Peckham & McKenney
Cost of Services
The fee to conduct the entire search process is proposed as $34,500. This includes the process described herein plus attending the November 17 Council meeting, meeting in-person the morning of November 18, and preparing, analyzing and summarizing a short public survey (using Survey Monkey) for the City to distribute. If the City of Pacifica desires services additional to those described herein, there will be an additional fee.
Peckham & McKenney is unique
among recruiting firms for several
reasons including having a fixed allinclusive fee. We have found that an all-inclusive fee for the search process
issimpler, cost-effective, and efficient.
The all-inclusive fee above includes
professional fees and expenses
(out-of-pocket costs associated
with advertising, Recruiter travel,
administrative support / printing
/ copying / postage / materials,
telephone / technology, internet
research checks on recommended
candidates, and full background check
on selected finalist only). For services
not specified herein, we will discuss
your interests and an appropriate fee.
Process of Payment
One-third of the all-inclusive fee is due
as a retainer upon execution of the
agreement. Thisretainer covers upfront
and necessary expenses incurred by
Peckham & McKenney on the City’s
behalf for the preparatory work and
advertising. If the retainer is not received
by Peckham & McKenney within 30
days of execution of the agreement, we
willsuspend the recruitment process until
payment is received. The second onethird of the full payment will be invoiced 1 month from contract execution, and it
is due within 30 days following the
invoice date. The final one-third of the
full payment will be invoiced 2 months
from contract execution, and it is due
within 30 daysfollowing the invoice date.
Agreement
Peckham & McKenney is the
operating name of City Management
Advisors LLC, Anton Dahlerbruch,
Managing Member.
Insurance
Peckham & McKenney carries
Professional Liability Insurance
($1,000,000 limit), Commercial
General Liability Insurance
($2,000,000 General Liability,
and $4,000,000 Products) and
Automobile Liability Insurance
($1,000,000). Our Insurance Broker
is B&B Premier Insurance Solutions,
Agoura Hills, CA.
9 | Peckham & McKenney
• We will connect with you and our placement in 6 months and 1 year after the appointment to check-in.
• We will conduct a second search within 6 months of our search process if a candidate is not placed.
• If the placement vacates the position within 1 year from the date of accepting the offer, we agree to conduct a second search within 6 months of the vacancy.
Because of how we conduct recruitments, it is unusual that we are unsuccessful in providing a placement, an individual is not placed, or the placement vacatesthe position within a year. In the unlikely event that no qualified candidates are identified as a result of the search efforts, and it is mutually agreed that the result is due to the search effort and/or process, we will extend the search for a second time for expenses ($7,200) only. If qualified applicants are not selected or the selected candidate is separated from employment within 1 year after accepting the offer, a second search will be conducted for the discounted fixed fee of $17,000 (external candidates only, and except in the event of budgetary cutbacks, promotion, position elimination, or illness/death, etc.).
Town Manager Town of Los Gatos, California
The Community
Incorporated in 1887 as one of Santa
Clara County’s oldest communities,
the Town of Los Gatos (approximate
population 33,000) is nestled at the base
of the Sierra Azules. Approximately
60 miles south of San Francisco where
the Santa Clara Valley meets the lower
slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains and
straddling State Highway 17, the Town is
neighbored by the City of San Jose to the
north and east; the City of Campbell to
the north; the cities of Monte Sereno and
Saratoga to the west; and unincorporated
County of Santa Clara and the County of
Santa Cruz to the south.
Visitors and residents appreciate Los
Gatos for its charm, unique architecture,
pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods,
vibrant and historic downtown,
recreational opportunities, and open
space. The Town encompasses a wide
variety of terrain, ranging from flat
topography at the edge of the valley floor
to densely wooded hillsides. Both the
valley and hillsides are interspersed with
creeks, streams, and riparian habitat. The
sharp contrast between the valley floor
and the hillsides provides the Town’s
picturesque background.
The Town of Los Gatos was originally
developed at a distance from other
population centers with its own
residential, commercial, and industrial
areas. While still distinct from other
communities and retaining its small town
image, the Town is now situated within
the largest metropolitan area of northern
California and is recognized as a hightech, retail, and services destination and community to live, visit, and work.
With its schools, library, parks, over
3,000 business, and the public services
provided by the municipality, the
Town of Los Gatos prides itself as a
self-contained community. Residents,
visitors, and businesses are served by high
quality restaurants, hotels, and variety
of shops in the Town’s pedestrianoriented downtown. Los Gatos has a robust array of education, including four
elementary schools, one middle school,
one high school, and many other private
educational institutions. Los Gatos also
has many parks and greenbelt areas
complemented by numerous communitywide events, arts and culture, and recreational opportunities. Downtown
Los Gatos is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places and is the
model of what communities try to achieve
in a downtown.
The Organization
The Town of Los Gatos is a general
law city operating under the CouncilManager form of government. The five members of the Town Council are elected
at large to four-year overlapping terms;
two of the five positions will be on the
November 2024 ballot. The Mayor and
Vice-Mayor are selected by the Council
on an annual basis.
The Town Council appoints the Town
Manager, as the executive leader of
Town government, to implement
Council’s priorities and policies as well
as manage and oversee the Town’s dayto-day services provided to the public.
The excellent team collaborating in
this effort and directly reporting to the
Town Manager are: Executive Assistant
to the Manager and Town Council,
Assistant Town Manager, Chief of
Police, Community Development
Director, Parks and Public Works
Director, Library Director, Finance
Director, Economic Vitality Manager,
and Information Technology Manager/
Chief Technology Officer. The Town
Attorney is appointed by and reports to
the Town Council.
The Town is supported by a complement
of 153 extraordinary, dedicated and
professional personnel, a total 2023-
2024 fiscal year operating budget of
$52.9 million, and a 5 year capital
improvement project budget of $57.7
million. The “Ongoing Strategic
Priorities 2024-2026” that represent
the Town’s work plan objectives specify
Safety, Prudent Financial Management,
Traffic/Transportation, and Quality of
Life.
The Town Council enjoys a high level of
civility and a collaborative relationship
among itself and with the Town staff
to achieve the Los Gatos vision.
Together, through constructive discourse
and with love of the community and
serving residents, municipal leaders
at all levels of the organization work
together to achieve and maintain a
balance of well-designed mix residential,
commercial, service and open space uses,
a pedestrian-oriented and multi-modal
village-like character; a diverse business
sector to serve all community needs;
and an efficient government that is
fiscally healthy, responsive, and provides
high levels of public safety, library, and
cultural amenities.
• Work effectively with
Boards, Commissions,
volunteers and
community
organizations.
• Value, prioritize and
model customer service,
a high touch and level
of responsiveness,
government transparency, and
accessibility. Provide clear, complete,
and timely answers.
• Engender high levels of trust and
confidence, demonstrate strong
integrity, and present themself
with authority, competence, and
assertiveness, while being caring,
kind, empathetic, vulnerable, and
nurturing.
• Are strategic to navigate differing
opinions and perspectives, and bring
diverse stakeholders together.
• Represent a “can do” attitude, strives
for finding creative solutions to get
to “yes,” and welcome challenges as
opportunities balanced with managing
and addressing staff workload.
• Effectively engage and represent the
Town in intergovernmental relations
with the State.
• Have financial acumen and knowledge
to address revenues and expenditures.
• Have worked in a community with an
in-house Police Department.
• Maintain the culture, camaraderie,
and team work of the staff team.
• Recognizes what they do not know
and learn what is needed.
• Receive acknowledgment, satisfaction,
and sense of accomplishment through
seeing others succeed.
• Facilitate and bring employees
across Departmental lines together,
conduct organizational development,
cross-train, and develop metrics for
measuring success and progress.
and changing State regulations, shortand long-tenured residents, and other external pressures.
This is an exciting and pivotal time to
serve as Los Gatos Town Manager. With
a variety of current and future private
development and infrastructure projects
and challenges to address, Town Manager
will need to have strong interpersonal
and communication skills; resiliency and
fortitude for staying focused on Town
goals and staff capacity; a commitment
to maintaining the organizational
culture, retaining staff, and inspiring
and motivating a talented workforce; and
vision for anticipating and navigating
complex issues. Some of the complex
priorities for the Town Manager to lead
and facilitate are its Housing Element,
homelessness, private development
applications and projects; long-term fiscal
condition, budget and finance; disaster/
emergency preparedness and response;
and promotion of diversity, equity, and
inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As such, the
Town seeks applicants that:
• Support and promote the Town
Council’s positions and directions.
• Illustrate political acumen through
being apolitical and politically savvy,
and demonstrate high emotional
intelligence.
• Have experience and are well-versed in
land use matters, specifically SB 330
and Builder’s Remedy matters; know
how to navigate through development
applications and community interests
to achieve desired results; and can
educate and guide the Town Council
through legal/regulatory options and
strategic decisions.
• Prioritize and appreciate the needs and
interests of staff and the community,
and have honest conversations
regarding projects, work levels, and
timelines.
As a professional, the successful candidate
for the position will be a hardworking,
dedicated, communicative, and responsive
individual that is effective working with
and among diverse views and interests;
provides accurate, thoughtful, and
thorough information, policy options,
and reasoned recommendations;
collaborative for achieving consensus;
and engaging with public, private and
faith based community partners and
regional agencies to achieve Town goals.
Personally, the successful candidate for
the position will have a track record
that illustrates high standards of
professionalism, achieving results, and
maintaining accountability; modeling
integrity and ethics; serving as a mentor,
coach and champion of staff; leading with
humility; empowering others and being
hands-on when necessary; and valuing a
work/life balance. Also to be successful,
the Town Manager will have experience
working in a community committed to
maintaining its character and attributes,
strong and positive organizational
culture; and evolving constituent
interests resulting from new, competing,
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be wellregarded as a local government leader, an individual who is experienced in
or familiar with the various facets of
managing a community like the Town
of Los Gatos, and grounded in the roles,
responsibilities, and principles of the
Council-Manager form of government.
The Recruitment
Process
To apply for this key position and exciting
career opportunity, please visit our
website at:
Peckham & McKenney
www.peckhamandmckenney.com
Resumes are acknowledged within two
business days. Contact Anton “Tony”
Dahlerbruch at 310.567.1554 or tollfree at 866.912.1919, if you have any questions regarding this position or the
recruitment process.
To serve as Town Manager, applicants
must have experience in the duties and
responsibilities of serving as a City/
County Manager/Administrator,
Deputy/Assistant, or Department
Head in a full-service agency of similar
size and complexity for at least five (5)
years. Broad knowledge of California’s
land use and housing regulations,
public works, finance and budget,
and managing capital improvements
is desired. The minimal education
requirement includes a Bachelor’s
degree. A Master’s degree and ICMA
membership is desired.
The Compensation
The Town Council is prepared to offer
an attractive and regionally competitive
salary. Based on the work experience,
qualifications, and track record of
candidate’s career success and in
alignment with other cities, the Town is
prepared to negotiate an annual salary in
the range of $320,000. The Town of Los
Gatos also offers an outstanding benefits
package, including:
Retirement: Public Employees’
Retirement System Classic Tier 2
members - 2% @ 60 plan; Tier 3 (new
members) 2% @ 62 plan.
Healthcare: The Town provides a
generous employer contribution toward
the purchase of medical, dental, and
vision coverage; employees may waive
coverage and receive cash-in-lieu up to
$400 per month.
Leaves:
Management Leave: Up to 5 days per
year at the end of the calendar year.
Personal Leave: 6 days per year.
Sick Leave: 12 days accrual per calendar
year.
Holidays: 11 days per calendar year.
Income Protection: $50,000
Town-paid term life insurance coverage;
short-term and long- term disability
insurance.
Vacation: Up to 25 days accrual per
calendar year (maximum balance of 500
hours); eligible for cash out 2 times per
year and at separation. Consideration for
prior years of service in local government
will be used in determining accrual rate.
Section 125 Flexible Spending
Accounts: Voluntary pre-tax employee
contributions up to $3,200 per year for
health care expenses and up to $5,000
per year for dependent care expenses.
Cell Phone Stipend: $120 per
month.
Tuition Reimbursement: $3,000
per fiscal year.
Search Schedule
Filing Deadline................................................................June 14, 2024 Supplemental Process, as necessary............................June 17 - 28, 2024 Recommendation of Candidates..........................................July 8, 2024 Finalist Interview Process ...............................July 25 and July 26, 2024 These dates have been confirmed, and it is recommended
that you plan your calendar accordingly.
www.peckhamandmckenney.com
City Manager
City of San Luis Obispo, California
The Community
The City of San Luis Obispo (SLO),
population approximately 47,500, is
in the heart of California’s majestic
Central Coast, midway between San
Francisco and Los Angeles. San Luis
Obispo covers 13.6 square miles, is the
largest city in San Luis Obispo County,
and serves as the County seat. San Luis
Obispo offers endless outdoor recreation
opportunities among a vast network
of parks and award-winning hiking
and biking trails. The City protects
and maintains over 7,000 acres of open
space and natural areas, including over
65 miles of trails.
Nestled within a backdrop of rolling
hills, San Luis Obispo is a community
that embraces its future while respecting
its past through core values of civility,
sustainability, diversity, inclusivity,
regionalism, partnership, and resiliency.
As such, the City is committed to being
a place where all people feel valued
and respected. The City prioritizes
being an inclusive community that
welcomes and celebrates its residents,
business communities, and visitors of
all backgrounds, identities, cultures
and abilities, striving to advance
representation and embrace all people in
their diversity and individuality.
As a well-known residential
community, business hub, vacation
and visitor destination, the City of San
Luis Obispo is neighbor to California
Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
and Cuesta Community College. Cal
Poly is situated on 9,200 acres just
outside the City; approximately 60% of
the 22,300 student population live offcampus within the City.
San Luis Obispo’s robust technology,
medical, and specialty manufacturing
industries are rapidly expanding,
and its regional airport, operated
by the County, is one of the fastest
growing in the country, providing
connections to several major airport
hubs. The City’s charming downtown
is filled with exceptional restaurants,
shopping, galleries, businesses,
and an award-winning Thursday
evening Downtown Farmers Market,
continuously running for 40 years.
San Luis Obispo also offers a vibrant
cultural scene that includes local
theatre, symphony, museums, and
visual arts. Moreover, the City’s
numerous volunteers and non-profit
organizations collaborate to promote
the City’s spirit and enhanced quality
of life. One can visit countless places
of interest within a short drive (or bike
ride) of San Luis Obispo including
Hearst Castle, miles of beaches and
coastline, great mountain hikes, and
the vast Central Coast wine regions.
The Organization
The City of San Luis Obispo is a
Charter City that operates under the
Council-Mayor-City Manager form
of government with a Mayor and four
Council Members who are elected
at-large. The Mayor is elected every
two years, while Council Members
are elected to staggered four-year
terms. In November 2024, an election
will be held for the Mayor and two
Council Members. The City Council
appoints the City Manager and City
Attorney. The City Manager serves the
Mayor and City Council, community,
and region with a collaborative,
communicative, visionary, innovative,
equitable, inclusive, and stable
presence to achieve goals and priorities.
The City Manager works closely
with community partners, local
organizations, the school district, Cal
Poly and other local colleges, and both
County and State officials and agencies
to advance the City Council’s vision,
policy, and direction. Moreover, with
oversight of all citywide operations,
the City Manager leads a team
of experienced, high performing,
and dedicated local government
professionals to accomplish City
Council objectives, complete an
innovation and best practices; and
maintain the principles of ethical,
responsive and fiscally responsible
government. The successful candidate
will be a “north star” who is:
• Apolitical and politically astute in
facilitating policy development and
implementing programs.
• Emotionally intelligent and leads
with respect and authenticity,
confidence, humility, humor,
composure, kindness, and patience.
• Effective in communicating and
aligning resources with City goals
and programs.
• Knowledgeable and experienced in
policy, programs, and construction
related to public works projects and
community development.
• Experienced in high level municipal
budgeting and financial planning.
• A resource for bringing new ideas
and inspiration into our community.
• Confident and comfortable in front
of the public and media.
• Experienced to guide, empower, and
support the staff team.
• Solution and action-oriented.
• Adept at addressing the complexities
of continuous change specifically
involving projects, finances, and
community growth.
• Equipped to understand, relate,
engage and build partnerships in the
local and regional community.
• A model of high standards,
professionalism, and accountability.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate must value,
be committed to, and understand the
City’s unique culture and character,
as well as be committed to advancing
the City’s local and regional objectives,
priorities, and partnerships. Specifically,
the ideal candidate will demonstrate
an understanding of managing a
community with: a university; high
levels of engagement; an aggressive
work plan; a team-oriented culture; a
commitment to creating safe spaces
and engaging the underserved and
underrepresented.
The City Manager will serve as a
trusted advisor and resource for the
Mayor and City Council; present
recommendations, consequences, and
alternatives for informed decision
making; provide information accurately
and timely; and have excellent
community engagement and public
relations skills. In addition, the ideal
City Manager will be a thoughtful and
honest individual with a demonstrated
record of effectively completing a
variety of projects simultaneously,
and facilitating community wide
communication. Priorities of the City
include infrastructure construction,
facilitation of housing developments,
preservation of open space, grantfunded projects, homelessness, and economic development. A few
of the major projects the City is
currently advancing include: Prado
Road Bridge, Cultural Arts District
Parking Structure, homelessness
projects, including the Calle Joaquin
Homekey project, public safety
facilities, creative improvements to
the public transit system, bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure, and regional
transportation.
The City Manager, to be successful in
San Luis Obispo, will have the skills
and vision to lead and inspire the
organization to new heights; implement
services. The City employs a fulltime staff of 475 and a part-time staff of approximately 200 who work
collaboratively to enhance the quality
of life for the community. The 2023-
2025 Major City Goals are Economic
Resiliency, Cultural Vitality and Fiscal
Sustainability; Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion; Housing and Homelessness;
and Climate Action, Open Space &
Sustainable Transportation.
The City operates under a two-year
Financial Plan and adopts annual
balanced budgets for its General Fund
and four Enterprise Funds (Water,
Sewer, Parking, Transit). The annual
General Fund budget is $115 million
and the total budget is $240 million.
The City has a five-year CIP with a
planned investment of $465 million to
maintain or replace existing assets and
build new assets to address the needs of
our growing community.
aggressive Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) and work plans, and
ensure the delivery of day-to-day core
responsibilities and public service.
San Luis Obispo is a full-service
City with 10 distinct departments
that provide police, fire, water,
wastewater, parks and recreation,
street maintenance, planning and
building, and other essential public
The Recruitment
Process
To apply for this key position and
exciting career opportunity, please visit
our website at:
Peckham & McKenney
www.peckhamandmckenney.com
Resumes are acknowledged within two
business days. Contact Anton “Tony”
Dahlerbruch at 310.567.1554 or tollfree at 866.912.1919, if you have any questions regarding this position or the
recruitment process.
To serve as City Manager, applicants
must have experience in the duties and
responsibilities of serving as a City/
County Manager/Administrator,
Deputy/Assistant, or Department
Head with supervisory responsibilities
in a full-service agency of similar
size, complexity and demographics
for at least five (5) years, and ideally
in California. The minimal education
requirement includes a Bachelor’s
degree, a Master’s degree is desired.
Relocation to the San Luis Obispo City
limits is preferred.
The Compensation
The City Council is prepared to offer
an attractive and competitive salary
that will be determined based on the
experience and qualifications you
bring to the City of San Luis Obispo.
In alignment with our comparative
cities, the City is prepared to offer up
to $308,000. The starting salary for
the selected candidate will reflect the
candidate’s work experience and track
record of career success. The City of
San Luis Obispo offers an outstanding
benefits package, including:
Leaves: 11 city observed paid holidays
plus two (2) floating holidays. 80 hours
of annual Administrative leave. Sick
leave is accrued at eight (8) hours per
month. Accelerated vacation accrual
will be provided based on completed
public sector years of experience.
Insurance and Benefits: City
provides a cafeteria plan and monthly
allowance toward medical insurance.
Cash back ($200) is available for
employees that opt out of the cafeteria
plan. Dental and vision is paid by
employees. Up to $3,200.00 per year
provided in a 125 Flexible Spending
Account (FSA) for unreimbursed
medical expenses and $5,000 for
dependent care expenses. Long term
life and AD&D insurance is also
provided.
Retirement: CalPERS Classic
members 2% @ 60; Classic members
pay the full employee 7% contribution
(pre-tax). CalPERS PEPRA members
2% @ 62; PEPRA members pay 50%
of the normal cost of the CalPERS
contribution. Classic and PEPRA
members pay and an additional 3%
towards the employer portion of
retirement costs.
Deferred Compensation: The
City contributes five (5%) percent of
salary towards a 401(a) plan and there
are several 457 plans offered.
Car allowance: Negotiable.
Relocation Assistance:
Negotiable for candidates relocating.
Bilingual Incentive: Negotiable.
Cell Phone: Provided by City.
Search Schedule
Filing Deadline................................................................May 17, 2024 Supplemental Process, as needed: ..............................May 20 – 31, 2024 Recommendation of Candidates: .....................................June 13, 2024 In-person interviews:.............................................June 25 and 26, 2024 These dates have been confirmed, and it is recommended
that you plan your calendar accordingly.
www.peckhamandmckenney.com
years City Manager
City of South San Francisco, California
The Community
The City of South San Francisco is
located in northern San Mateo County
on the western shore of San Francisco
Bay, just ten miles south of San Francisco.
The City is home to 66,105 residents over
its 30 square miles and is centrally located
to many of the Bay Area’s transportation
systems, including Highway 101, I-280,
Caltrain, San Francisco International
Airport, the Bay Area Rapid Transit
District Commuter Rail System (BART),
and the San Francisco Bay Ferry.
The City of South San Francisco carries
the legacy tagline the “Industrial City,”
which today defines the industrious,
entrepreneurial, and innovative spirit
of its residents and businesses. South
San Francisco’s resident population is
composed of very diverse communities
of color, with the largest percentage
multi-ethnic Asian and Hispanic/Latino.
The City is committed to delivering
responsive service to residents and a
high quality of life. To support a vibrant
community, the City maintains 270
acres of parks and open space, two active
libraries, and a wide range of learning and
recreational opportunities for residents
of all ages. The City’s strategic location
attracts many businesses, academia, and
a highly skilled workforce, boasting a
strong, diverse economy, with more than
3,200 firms and businesses, a businessfriendly atmosphere, and championing innovation and growth. South San
Francisco is home to more than 230 life
science companies and is recognized as
the “Birthplace of Biotechnology” and
the “Biotech Capital of the World” with
12.5 million square feet of biotech labs
and another 13.3 million square feet
in the current development pipeline.
The City has exciting new public and
private development projects, such as a
new $56 million Police Headquarters,
a $103 million civic campus, a multibillion-dollar remake of its shoreline along the San Francisco Bay, the opening
of Oyster Point Park, construction of
the new Aquatic Complex at Orange
Memorial park, and are in the early
stages of creating a new downtown park
at Linden Avenue and Pine Avenue and a
new community pre-school to be located
in Westborough Park. To learn more
about this industrious City, please visit
www.ssf.net.
The Organization
The City of South San Francisco was
incorporated in 1908 and operates
under the Council-Manager form
of government. Five City Council
members are elected by district
in staggered, four-year terms and
appoints the City Manager and the
City Attorney. The City Council
directs the City Manager, sourcing
and use of City funds, establishes local
laws and policies, appoints members to
all advisory municipal activities, and
sits as the Successor Agency Board of
Directors. The City Clerk and City
Treasurer are separately elected.
South San Francisco is a full-service
City providing municipal services
through approximately 480 full-time
and 350 part-time employees, with
a FY25/26 budget of $152.7 million
in General Fund. The City has
eleven departments, which include
the departments of Economic and
Community Development, Finance,
Fire, Human Resources, Information
Technology, Library, Parks and
Recreation, Police, Public Works, the
Office of the City Manager and the
Office of the City Clerk.
The Department
The City Manager’s Office
implements policy decisions of the
City Council, provides leadership
and strategic direction to the City’s
leadership team and organization
as well as ensuring that initiatives
and programs align with the City’s
mission and reflect the values of our
community. The City Manager’s
Office is supported by 11.08 FTE and
has an annual budget of $3.9 million.
The City Manager’s Office provides
overall guidance to all City operating
departments and is responsible for
the administration of City programs
to ensure the delivery of high-quality
services in an efficient and costeffective manner.
translating community
values into actionable
strategies and forwardlooking initiatives. This
role requires a leader
who listens carefully,
communicates openly,
and is willing to provide
candid, unbiased counsel to the City
Council—even when that means
delivering difficult truths.
Strong candidates will have excellent
communication skills, a commitment to
transparency, and the confidence to both
give and receive constructive feedback.
They will understand how to balance
operational excellence with interpersonal
savvy and will lead by example with
integrity and humility.
The ideal City Manager will bring a
commanding executive presence and
a proven track record of success in
managing a complex, full-service public
agency. They will demonstrate deep
knowledge of municipal operations,
including budgeting, fiscal management,
and innovative revenue strategies.
Experience serving as a City Manager
or Assistant/Deputy City Manager
in a jurisdiction of similar size and
complexity is strongly preferred. A
history of fostering high-performing
teams and delivering exceptional
internal and external customer service is
essential.
Residency in South San Francisco is not
required, but highly desirable, reflecting
the City Council’s interest in a leader
who is truly invested in the community’s
well-being and future. Relocation
assistance is negotiable for a successful
candidate who chooses to relocate to
South San Francisco.
stewardship, and inclusive community
engagement. The ideal candidate is a
collaborative and politically astute leader
who values equity, transparency, and
inclusion. They bring a proven track
record of executive leadership, strong
financial and operational acumen, and
a commitment to high-touch customer
service. This is a unique opportunity
for a dynamic professional who will be
a visible, trusted partner to the City
Council, staff, and community—and
who will lead with integrity, innovation,
and heart.
The ideal candidate will bring deep
experience in managing complex public
agencies, a sophisticated understanding
of the Council-Manager form of
government, and the executive presence
to represent the City effectively at the
regional, state, and local levels. The next
City Manager will serve as a trusted
advisor to the City Council, a visible
and responsive community leader,
and a collaborative partner dedicated
to advancing South San Francisco’s
dynamic future.
The next City Manager will be a
visible, accessible, and engaged leader—
someone who actively connects with
the community, City Council, staff,
and regional partners. They will bring
a high degree of emotional intelligence
and lead with a values-driven approach
rooted in inclusivity, equity, fairness,
and accountability. A deep sensitivity to
the City’s multicultural population and
diverse needs is essential.
The ideal candidate is a peoplecentered leader with a high-touch, customer service mindset and a sincere
passion for public service. They will
be visionary yet pragmatic, capable of
affairs, managing the City’s Executive
Team, general oversight over all City
departments, recommending measures
and ordinances to Council, creating and
executing contracts on behalf of the City,
preparing and submitting the annual
City budget and salary plan to Council
for adoption, administration of the City
budget, attending all meetings of the
City Council and committees, exercising
general supervision over all public
property within City jurisdiction, and
performing related duties as assigned.
The Ideal Candidate
The South San Francisco City Council
seeks a strategic, service-driven,
community-oriented municipal
executive with a passion for public
service to serve as its next City
Manager. This is a premier leadership
opportunity for a results-oriented
professional with a demonstrated
commitment to good governance, fiscal
The Position
The City Manager reports to the
City Council and serves as the
administrative head of the City and as
the Executive Director of the Successor
Agency to the South San Francisco
Redevelopment Agency.
Key duties and responsibilities include
the efficient administration of all City
The Recruitment
Process
Please submit your cover letter and
resume (including month/year of
employment) via our website:
Peckham & McKenney
www.peckhamandmckenney.com
Please do not hesitate to contact Maria
Hurtado toll-free at (866) 912-1919, by
cell at (831) 247-7885 or via email at
[email protected], if
you have any questions regarding this
position or the recruitment process.
Compensation and
Benefits
The salary is currently under review. The
current incumbent salary is $374,920.
In addition, the City offers an attractive
benefits package, including:
Retirement: The City participates
in CalPERS with a 2% @ 60 for classic
members with a current employee
contribution of 7% and a 2% cost share.
For new employees covered under PEPRA,
the retirement formula is 2% @ 62 with an
employee contribution of 7.25%. The City
participates in Social Security.
Medical Insurance: City offers a
choice of PPO, HMO (two providers),
or HDHP plans. The City contributes
85% of the health premium cost (HMO,
PPO or HDHP) based on the category of
coverage (single, two, family). Employees
who have medical coverage elsewhere
may waive the City’s medical, dental, and
vision coverage and elect to have the City
contribute $550 per month into a medical
after retirement account.
Medical After Retirement
Account (MARA): City annually
contributes 1.5% of employee base salary
and employee contributes $50 biweekly.
Vision Insurance: City paid for
employee and dependents.
Dental Insurance: City paid for
employee and dependents.
Deferred Compensation: Voluntary
457(b) plan.
Vacation: Up to 30 days per year,
depending on years of service.
Vacation Cash-Out: Employees
may cash out 120 hours of vacation per
calendar year.
Holidays: 13 holidays per calendar
year plus 1 floating holiday.
Administrative Leave: 80 hours
per fiscal year.
Sick Leave: 96 hours per year.
Bereavement Leave: Paid leave up
to 24 hours in-state or up to 40 hours
out-of-state.
Short-Term Disability: 2/3 of
pre-disability earnings reduced by any
deductible income up to a maximum
account until LTD benefits begin.
Long-Term Disability: 2/3 of
pre-disability earnings reduced by any
deductible income up to a maximum
account.
Life Insurance: City paid $50,000
policy. Supplemental Life Policy is
available.
AD&D: City paid $50,000 policy.
Vehicle Allowance: $450 per
month.
Personal and Professional
Development: $1,000 per fiscal year.
Education Expense
Reimbursement: 50% of costs, up to
$5,000 per fiscal year.
Employee Assistance Plan:
City offered.
Childcare Subsidy: 50% discount
towards City-run childcare program and
free recreation classes.
The City of South San Francisco is an
Equal Opportunity Employer.
Search Schedule
Filing Deadline............................................................August 15, 2025 Preliminary Phone Interviews w/Recruiter..........August 27 & 28, 2025 Recommendation of Candidates............................. September 10, 2025 Finalists Interviews:
• In-Person Interview with City Council......................October 1, 2025 • Finalist(s) In-Person Interview
w/City Council, if needed...........................................October 2, 2025 These dates have been confirmed, and it is recommended
that you plan your calendar accordingly.
www.peckhamandmckenney.com