The Brief

Alameda City Council Delays Appointment of New City Manager Amid Unforeseen Developments

The Alameda City Council has postponed the appointment of Pleasanton City Manager Gerry Beaudin as Alameda's new city manager, citing the need to review new and important information.

In a surprising move, the Alameda City Council has delayed the appointment of Pleasanton City Manager Gerry Beaudin as the city's new leader. The council was poised to finalize Beaudin's contract, with his proposed start date set for June 30, 2026. However, Councilmember Greg Boller motioned to continue the item to May 5, 2026, after being informed by the city's recruiter of "new and important information" that required further review. Beaudin, who has served as Pleasanton's city manager since May 2022, was selected as Alameda's finalist for the permanent city manager position on April 9, 2026. His proposed employment agreement includes a salary of approximately $383,100, a nearly $40,000 increase from his current compensation in Pleasanton. The agreement also outlines benefits such as a 12-month severance package and a 3% deferred compensation contribution by the city. The postponement has raised questions about the council's decision-making process and the transparency of the recruitment procedure. Councilmember Boller emphasized the importance of thoroughly reviewing all information before making a final decision, underscoring the council's commitment to due diligence. Residents and city employees are closely watching the situation, as the city manager plays a crucial role in overseeing daily operations, budget administration, and implementing council policies. The delay in appointing a permanent city manager may impact the city's ability to address ongoing challenges and implement strategic initiatives effectively. The council is expected to reconvene on May 5, 2026, to further discuss and potentially finalize the appointment. In the meantime, Interim City Manager Adam Politzer continues to lead Alameda, following the departure of Jennifer Ott in December 2025.

Why it matters

The city manager is pivotal in guiding Alameda's operations and policy implementation.
Delays in appointing a permanent city manager can hinder the city's strategic planning and response to community needs.
Transparency in the recruitment process is essential for maintaining public trust and confidence in city governance.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

Alameda City Council postpones vote on appointing Beaudin as next city manager - Pleasanton Weekly — pleasantonweekly.com

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