Still in progress
This meeting hasn't been fully processed yet. You can watch the video and read what's here — we're still adding sections as we work through the archive.
What Happened
The city held a public town hall to gather community input on the recruitment of a new city manager, facilitated remotely by executive recruiter Stacy Stevenson of Bob Murray and Associates. A nationwide search is planned, with the recruitment expected to open within weeks, interviews anticipated in November-December 2026, and a hire targeted for early 2027. Residents overwhelmingly emphasized the need for a city manager who knows Compton, can survive the city's pattern of high turnover (roughly every two years), and will operate with transparency, accountability, and independence from council influence. Multiple speakers passionately advocated for hiring former Mayor Dr. Omar Bradley rather than conducting an outside search, arguing the city should prioritize homegrown leadership. Other key concerns included crumbling infrastructure, the need for a strategic vision with measurable outcomes, stronger community engagement through regular town halls and neighborhood visits, and a city manager willing to stand up to corruption and nepotism.
Key Moments
City Council
We've hired a well-known executive recruitment firm to seek a new city manager for Compton.
City Council
City managers here have a life expectancy of maybe 24 months historically.
City Council
We need a visionary city manager willing to adopt a model of learning for council, staff, and community.
City Council
Staff input session will be held without council or community present to ensure staff feels free to speak.
Meeting Sections
Call to Order
0:00:00The community forum session was called to order as participants gathered and the virtual connection was established.
Watch this section ▶Introduction and Purpose of Community Forum
0:05:26The interim city manager introduced the purpose of the evening: gathering community input on what residents want in a new city manager. The executive recruitment firm Bob Murray and Associates was introduced to lead the nationwide search.
Watch this section ▶Recruitment Process Overview and Timeline
0:07:31The recruiter explained the city manager role, the nationwide search process, and the anticipated timeline. The recruitment is expected to open in a few weeks, with council interviews in November-December and a new city manager on board by early 2027. Community input from this forum will shape the recruitment brochure, interview questions, and candidate evaluation.
Watch this section ▶Public Comments on Recruitment Firm Approach
0:14:22A community member asked the recruiter to explain how the firm facilitates workshops with the council and ensures alignment on the latitude a new manager would have. The recruiter described their process of stakeholder interviews, town halls, and ongoing engagement with the council throughout the search.
Every bit helps. Consider supporting us with a membership or a coffee so we can transcribe more meetings and keep building the platform.
Support the project →
Buy me a coffee