Politics & Government

City Manager Input Session Planned In Alexandria

After the deadline for interested city manager candidates to apply, City Council will hold an input session with the community.

City Council will host a town hall to discuss what the community wants to see in the next city manager in Alexandria.
City Council will host a town hall to discuss what the community wants to see in the next city manager in Alexandria. (Emily Leayman/Patch)

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After City Council announced a national search to find a new city manager for Alexandria, a town hall meeting is planned to gather public input.

The hybrid town hall meeting is happened for Sept. 22 from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can participate in person at City Hall in Council Chamber (301 King St.) or online.

City Manager Mark Jinks announced in June he would retire after a new replacement is found. Jinks has been city manager since 2015 and has served in city government since 1999. City Council indicated a new hire could happen by the end of 2021.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The town hall meeting will be focused on input from the community about "qualities and values" the next city manager should have. Residents, business owners, civic leaders and those who frequent Alexandria for work, school, recreation or worship can request to speak or provide input through an online survey. The survey is extended through Sept. 17, and results will be presented at the town hall. The town hall and survey results will be posted on the city's website.

The city manager is Alexandria's chief administrative officer who oversees policy directives of the City Council, manages daily operations of city government and prepares annual operating and capital budgets as well as other reports. The city contracted with talent acquisition firm POLIHIRE for a nationwide recruiting search. The deadline for candidates is Sept. 17, as stated on the city's website.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

City Council is seeking candidates described as having a "demonstrated and verifiable record of inclusive, transparent and inspirational leadership in guiding an organization and clear commitments to making a difference through public service." Candidates should also have strong administrative, fiscal management and decision-making skills and have experience expanding revenue through state and federal grants. The city manager is required to live in Alexandria.

More information about the search for a new city manager is available on the city's website.

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