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How to <br />Recruit <br /> <br />Successfully <br /> <br />a City Manager. <br /> <br />In the 21 st Century <br /> <br />by Rod 6'ouN and glenn Southard <br /> <br />,~ he most important dec/sion any c¢ty counczl wtfl make Is the selectlon of a city manager. It's more <br />~'~/mportant than any budget, general plan or land use decision. Understand the gravity of the decision: <br />The new city manager will have a major effect on your organization and community,-one that will endure <br />well beyond your term in office. Today, hiring a city manager requires a large investment, and a mistake can <br />be costly A successful recruitment can help your city achieve its true potential. <br /> <br />~crc are some practical suggestions for successfully recruiting a city ma_~ager in the 21st century. Intended £or elected officials <br />and interim manager~, these tips include input from ~he California City Managemertt Foundation leadership and a number of' <br />cop professional search consultants. <br /> <br />Assess Your Situation and Needs <br /> <br />Fir.~: :md fk~reatost, it is essential that thc city council meet co evaluate the stare ofyou, r city and tenure oft. he. previous city man- <br />a!jc:'. Take stock and discuss what worked -- and what didn't. Be honest wi~ each other. <br /> <br />Ne:.:r, determine what the council wants from the new kity manager. Certainly, there should be a discussion about the experience, <br />l.mowieci!3c, .;kills, abilities, personal reeks and level of education that are expected. More importandy, be clear about the needs of <br />rile o,:g:mizadon :md the kc7 priorities you wish the new city manager ro address. Don't take an 'T].I know ir when I see it" stance <br />ar d~c start (~J: r}~e recruitment. <br /> <br />continued <br /> <br />P, on Gmlld is city mana§er of San Rafad and can be reached at <Rod.Goutd~d.san-rafaeLca.us>. Glenn Southard is city manager of Ctaremont and <br />can be teached ,'it <GSOUTHARI)~ci.claremont.ca.us>. Both are board'members of the California City Management Foundation, which developed this <br />~n:h:te. 5pedal thanks to Bill Avery, Bob Murray, Norm Roberts and Oohn Shannon, who also contributed to the content. <br /> <br /> -57- <br />www.westerncity.com Western. City, October 2004 <br /> <br /> <br />