The South San Francisco City Council approved a contract for its new city manager Laura Snideman, who will officially begin her tenure in January.
Snideman most recently served as city manager of Calistoga, where she led the development of a first-in-the-world microgrid clean energy system, the acquisition and revitalization planning of 70 acres of underutilized land and the modernization of citywide IT infrastructure. She was previously city manager in Richmond and assistant city manager in Fairfield.
Despite the accomplishments, some residents have cited concern over controversies that have followed her in those roles. According to multiple news reports in the last few years, Snideman resigned after years of staff complaints and a closed session by the Calistoga City Council evaluating her performance. In 2021, the San Francisco Chronicle reported a clash between Snideman and the Richmond mayor, after Snideman and the city attorney approved public funding for an investigation into the mayor’s actions.
But the South San Francisco City Council said they were confident in Snideman’s ability to help lead the city.
“I understand and have read many things … but during my own career, I hired many team members and had experienced wins and losses. I believe that we all evolve,” Councilmember Flor Nicolas said, adding that she hopes Snideman can help improve employee retention.
Outgoing City Manager Sharon Ranals will continue to serve through Dec. 30. During this period, Ranals will support onboarding efforts and provide institutional knowledge to Snideman, allowing for a thoughtful orientation and continuity of operations, according to a press release.
“We are an inclusive city. We are a city of opportunities,” Mayor Eddie Flores said. “We’re not a city that dives into cancel culture. We don’t cancel people immediately without knowing them. We give them an opportunity. We give them a chance.”
The council voted unanimously to approve her contract.
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