The city of Winston-Salem has invited the public to provide their thoughts on the next City Manager’s qualifications at a session on May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the city council chamber. Interested participants may engage in person or virtually.

The city’s current City Manager Lee Garrity announced in January that he would be retiring on June 23. Garrity, who started out his career with the city as a budget analyst in 1990, has held the position for 17 years.

Winston-Salem City Manager Lee Garrity keeps a copy of Good to Great on his desk.
Lee Garrity has been Winston-Salem’s city manager for 17 years. (file photo)

Developmental Associates LLC, the executive search firm that is helping Mayor Allen Joines and city council with the search, will host the session on May 8. According to a press release from the city, the search firm will ask citizens two questions: “What are the biggest challenges facing the city, now and over the next two to five years?” and “What are the key qualifications you’d like to see in the next city manager?”

The city manager reports to the mayor and city council and is responsible for the daily operations of the city, including the development and management of a balanced budget. The city’s FY 22-23 budget totals at $627.6 million and took effect July 1.

According to the city, priorities for the role of city manager will be to assess the city’s vacancies and address concerns to improve morale and create a positive working environment across the organization. The city manager will also facilitate the expenditure of ARPA funds. The city wants the person to implement innovative methods to reduce gun violence and overall crime in the community.

Prefer to attend virtually? A Zoom link will be posted on May 8 on the city’s website.

A community survey will remain open until May 15. Access the survey here. Think you’d be a good fit for the job? Apply here. According to the city, applicants must apply by May 14. Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on June 15-16.

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