A special called meeting of the Dallas City Council scheduled for Monday, December 19, 2024, to interview semifinalist candidates for the city manager position was abruptly canceled after not enough members attended. The agenda for the meeting included discussing the qualifications of the candidates and deliberating on the appointment of the new city manager, following a nearly 10-month search process.
The cancellation followed a memo released on Friday by council members Paula Blackmon, Jaynie Schultz, and Gay Donnell Willis, which criticized the ongoing recruitment and hiring process for the new city manager, Nathan Hunsinger. The memo set the stage for Monday's meeting.
The search for a new city manager began after former city manager T.C. Broadnax resigned on February 2, 2024, to take a new role as the city manager of Austin. On December 12, 2024, it was revealed that Baker Tilly, the recruitment firm hired by the city, had identified nearly 50 candidates, but most council members were only made aware of four finalists. Among them was Kimberly Tolbert, the current interim city manager.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua expressed disappointment over the failure to reach a quorum for the meeting. "As city council members, our first responsibility is to show up when called," Bazaldua stated. "This neglect disregards the responsibilities entrusted to us by the city charter and undermines the process of our government."
Bazaldua emphasized the urgency of filling the position, noting that many of the city's executive staff are currently serving in interim roles. "It is imperative that we secure permanent and stable leadership to address long-standing challenges," he added.
The search for a permanent city manager remains ongoing as the council continues to face challenges in moving the process forward.
