Candidates for Asheville’s next City Manager were screened July 30-Aug. 3. The search continues into its next phase with candidate assessments going on now through Sept. 17.
At City’s Council’s Sept. 25 meeting, Council members are expected to narrow down the finalists in closed session.
So far, the City has had 70 applicants for the job.
On March 20, Asheville City Council announced that City Manager Gary Jackson would no longer be with the City. Assistant City Manager Cathy Ball was named as Interim City Manager until a new city manager is selected.
Shortly thereafter, the City selected a Springsted Waters recruiting firm to help with the search for a new Asheville City Manager.
In July, the search advanced with the development of a brochure to be used as recruitment tool and job description. To read the recruitment brochure, visit this link.
The brochure was developed after the City solicited input from residents on what qualities and qualifications they would like to see in Asheville’s next City Manager. As part of that public process, the City held four meetings and an online survey to gather this input.
Council-manager form of government
The City of Asheville uses a council-manager form of local government, under which elected City Council members are the community leaders and policy makers who establish a vision for Asheville, and who hire a City Manager to carry out policy and ensure that all residents are equitably served.
The City Manager coordinates the work of department heads and other employees, who help ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of services.
Updated timeline
Here is an updated timeline for hiring Asheville’s next City Manager:
- Candidate screening, July 30-Aug. 3
- Candidate assessment, Aug. 3-Sept. 17
- City Council selection of finalists: Sept. 25 Council meeting
- Interviews: Oct. 1-19
- Candidate selection: Oct. 29-Nov. 5
- Announcement of new City Manager: Nov. 5-12
- City Manager begins work: December/January
For more information, visit this link.