Santa Cruz Launches Nationwide Search For Next City Manager

SANTA CRUZ, CA — It's official: The city of Santa Cruz has begun the search for its next manager.

Applications will be accepted through the end of the month. The city council will conduct interviews and choose a candidate in June. The candidate will undergo a final review, including background and reference checks, in July and the city manager will begin in August.

Teri Black & Company, LLC will conduct the search in partnership with a City Council subcommittee, including Mayor Donna Meyers, Vice Mayor Sonja Brunner and Councilmember Renee Golder.

City Manager Martín Bernal announced in February his plans to end his 24-year career with the city and retire this summer.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Santa Cruz over the past 10 years as city manager and (for) my 24 years at the city," Bernal said in a statement issued by the city on Wednesday. "During that time, with the collaboration of many dedicated elected leaders and staff, we have weathered the Great Recession and responded to a global pandemic. Our shared legacy will be one of resiliency in the City of Santa Cruz."

The city requires that city manager candidates have a bachelor's degree and prefers they hold a master's degree. The city hopes to find a candidate with a broad local government background including experience as a city manager, among other things.

Check out the recruitment materials here.