The Martinez City Council unanimously provided direction in closed session last night to instruct City staff and the City Attorney to develop an employment agreement naming Michael Chandler as City Manager, effective January 4, 2023.  It is expected that the agreement will be placed on the November 2, 2022 City Council meeting agenda.  Chandler is currently serving as Acting City Manager.

“We’re thrilled to name Michael as our next City Manager,” noted Mayor Rob Schroder.  “His decades of service to our community and strong leadership skills make him ideal for this important role, and I’m confident that he’s the right choice to take us forward.  His deep knowledge of Martinez, exemplary professional relationships with community members and staff, and lengthy experience managing many aspects of municipal operations will serve him well as City Manager,” Schroder added.

Chandler has been filling in for current City Manager Eric Figueroa during his leave; Figueroa’s last day with the City will be Jan. 3, 2023.

“I am humbled and gratified by the confidence placed in me by the City Council,” said Chandler.  “My entire career has been dedicated to public service, first as a naval officer, and then as an employee at the City of Martinez. This is a wonderful community, and I’m looking forward to my new responsibilities.  We’ve taken great strides in recent years, yet we have many significant challenges that I’m confident we can overcome with the support of the community and the commitment of City staff,” Chandler said.

Chandler has served more than two decades with Martinez and currently oversees numerous city departments and core operations, including major projects to update the General Plan, Housing Element and Waterfront Master Plan. His previous roles with Martinez include Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and several other positions, with responsibility for City Administration, City Clerk, Community Services, Human Resources, Community and Economic Development, Risk Management, and other essential programs.

Chandler’s significant achievements with the City include serving as project manager for the successful Measure D Road Improvement and Maintenance Special Sales Tax Measure, developing City Employee Safety and Employee Recognition Programs, developing the Community Grants Funding Program that supplies funding to local non-profit organizations, developing the City’s Climate Action Plan and fostering the City’s sustainability initiatives, coordinating Measure H Park Priority Projects to bring upcoming enhancements to local parks, serving on the City’s labor negotiations team, and many others.