The Merced City Council has announced the appointment of Scott McBride as the new city manager. The Council voted unanimously on this appointment during the open session meeting on Monday, September 18, 2023, following an extensive search process.
McBride will lead the city’s council-manager form of local government upon the planned departure of City Manager Stephanie Dietz, overseeing day-to-day operations, including responsibility for 530 employees who serve nearly 90,000 residents.
“Scott has spent the past several years learning the city from the inside out,” stated Mayor Matthew Serratto. “He has the passion and knowledge to continue our important work in one of California’s fastest-growing cities. Like his predecessor, Ms. Dietz, Scott will serve as a critical link between the city and our residents, and I know he will continue to strengthen our partnerships, services, and programs.”
A Central Valley native, McBride joined the City of Merced’s leadership team in 2017 as Director of Development Services, where he has been instrumental in securing more than $72 million in funding for affordable housing projects, worked with the City Council to adopt policies that encourage affordable by design and infill development, completed pro-housing zoning code updates, and has implemented pre-application processes for ten major annexations. He oversees support to the Planning Commission, Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, Building and Housing Board of Appeals, Site Plan Review Committee, and Minor Subdivision Committee.
“Scott has a heart for this community,” stated outgoing City Manager Stephanie Dietz. His experience, combined with his forward-thinking approach to affordable housing, infill, commercial, and retail development initiatives, will continue to foster a climate that will be beneficial as Merced grows.”
“I am honored the City Council selected me to serve as the city manager, and I will strive to give my best to the community where I grew up,” said McBride. “I believe in the profound impact well-developed programs and services can have on a community. Our team will continue to build on the very productive work underway as we strive to create a transparent, responsive government that serves our city’s residents, businesses, and stakeholders.”
McBride holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a Master of Public Administration from California State University Stanislaus.
His official appointment will commence on 11/16/2023, with an annual starting salary of $240,000.