THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Chico, CA is embarking on an exciting search for its next City Manager – a visionary leader ready to guide a vibrant, fast-growing community at the heart of the North State. Framed by tree-lined streets, a thriving downtown, and the natural beauty of Bidwell Park, Chico offers the unique opportunity to shape a city known for innovations, resilience, and high quality of life. The City is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and forward-thinking executive who can champion community priorities, strengthen organizational excellence, and lead Chico into its next chapter of progress. For leaders who value impact, partnership, and possibilities, Chico is a place where your leadership can truly make a difference.

THE CITY OF CHICO

The City of Chico, with a population of approximately 114,000, is the largest city in Butte County. Home to Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipally owned parks in the nation, Chico has many recreational opportunities in the area. With an average of 172 sunny days a year, Chico provides quick access to hiking, skiing, boating, hunting, and fishing. California State University - Chico continues to be a significant influence on the local community and is a key employer and contributor to the local economy. The city offers a learning community with a rich culture and a young spirit. Chico is known as a well-managed city that values quality infrastructure and services and maintains a special sense of community and small-town living as it has developed into a vibrant regional center for business, recreation, and cultural activities. Chico is a magnet for individuals seeking an environment where you can live and work while enjoying unparalleled access to outdoor recreation and the social spirit of an involved community.

CITY GOVERNMENT

The City of Chico is a charter city, and the City Council consists of seven councilmembers elected at large to staggered four-year terms. The Mayor and Vice-Mayor are chosen directly by Council and serve a two-year term. The City of Chico is a full-service city with a FY 2025-26 General Fund of over $74.1 million and an allocated staff of 478 FTEs.  City operations are headed by the City Manager who oversees an executive management team comprised of eleven operating departments: Building and Development Services, Capital Projects, the City Clerk, Finance, Fire, General Services, Housing and Neighborhood Services, Human Resources & Risk Management, Information Systems, Planning Services, and the Police Department.

THE POSITION

Under policy direction from the City Council, the City Manager plans, organizes, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all City functions and activities, as well as provides policy guidance and program evaluation to the City Council, and management of department heads and 6 administrative employees. Key responsibilities include working in a creative and careful manner to allow the Mayor, City Council, and management to accomplish their goals and objectives; proposing an annual budget and providing for the balancing of revenues and expenditures; enforcing and administering the provisions of the laws and ordinances governing the City; coordinating the general activities of the City government with other governmental agencies; and maintaining and enhancing the positive relationships that currently exist with the workforce.

The City Manager must be a solid municipal leader with a style characterized by collaboration and partnership. Under the direction of the City Council, this position serves as the City’s chief executive officer. The ideal candidate will possess a deep knowledge of municipal government and be skilled in effectively leading a vibrant local government entity. This experienced professional will also have excellent communication skills, a solution-driven approach, and an ability to leverage technology to maximize operational efficiency and service levels.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration or a closely related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

• Experience: Extensive responsible experience in the administration of governmental organizations, preferably including city administrative experience. The ideal candidate for City Manager in Chico will bring a minimum of five years of executive level management, preferably within a public agency with a strong knowledge base in finance, budgets, personnel administration, economic development and land use. Prior experience as a City Manager, Assistant or Deputy City Manager or as a department head within a complex city operation would provide the preferred background.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The City of Chico offers a competitive compensation and benefits program. The anticipated starting salary for the City Manager position is +- $250,000 annually DOQ. Chico’s excellent benefits program includes CalPERS retirement with an enhanced retirement formula of 3% @ 60 for Classic Members, and a 2% @ 62 formula for New CalPERS members. The City also offers a voluntary deferred compensation program.

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Interested candidates should apply no later than Monday, February 16, 2026 by submitting a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter below.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 217-3696