Merced has a new city manager, selecting internal candidate Scott McBride to rise to the city’s top position.
McBride replaces Stephanie Dietz, who announced earlier in the year that she will leave the city in November after seven years on the job.
Driving the news: Monday, the Merced City Council unanimously appointed McBride as Dietz’s replacement following an extensive search process.
- McBride will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city, managing the 530 employees who work for the nearly 90,000 residents in Merced.
- His appointment comes six years after joining the city as Director of Development Services. In that position, McBride worked to secure over $72 million in funding for affordable housing projects.
- He also worked with the city council on infill development, as well as completing pro-housing zoning code updates and implementing pre-application processes for ten major annexations.
- McBride currently 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.
- He received a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from UC Santa Cruz and a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Stanislaus.
- McBride will officially start as city manager on Nov. 16 and will earn $240,000 annually.
What they’re saying: “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,” McBride said. “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.”
- Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto said McBride will serve as a critical link between the city and its residents and will continue to strengthen the city’s partnerships, services and programs.
- “Scott has spent the past several years learning the city from the inside out,” Serratto said. “He has the passion and knowledge to continue our important work in one of California’s fastest-growing cities.”
- Dietz pointed to McBride’s experience with housing projects as something that will be beneficial in his new role.
- “Scott has a heart for this community,” Dietz said. “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.”
