Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo to Lead Santa Barbara

Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo is set to leave her position after 13 years of service, including eight as chief executive, to become the new City Administrator for Santa Barbara. Her departure marks a significant transition for Hayward, which will now begin the search for a new city manager.

A Legacy of Leadership in Hayward

Kelly McAdoo’s tenure as Hayward City Manager, beginning in 2016, has been characterized by significant achievements and a focus on community needs. Her leadership saw the city navigate political changes, address emerging challenges, and achieve fiscal stability.

Key accomplishments during her time in Hayward include:

Housing and Homelessness Initiatives:
- Strengthened tenant protections to mitigate displacement.
- Declared a homelessness emergency and developed a strategic plan.
- Opened the Hayward Navigation Center in 2018, successfully transitioning individuals from homelessness.
- Launched Depot Community Apartments in 2023, providing 125 micro-apartments with supportive services for formerly homeless and low-income individuals.
- Repurposed former State Route 238 bypass land for hundreds of market-rate and affordable housing units.
Fiscal Responsibility:
- Improved financial forecasting for long-term planning.
- Annually set aside revenue to pay down unfunded retiree benefit liabilities, freeing up funds for core services.
Environmental and Climate Protection:
- Expanded solar energy generation for city operations.
- Transitioned local PG&E ratepayers to 100% renewable electricity sources.
- Installed large-scale filtration devices in the sewer system to remove trash from stormwater.
Infrastructure and Facility Improvements (Measure C):
- Seismic retrofits, energy enhancements, and ADA upgrades for fire stations.
- Construction of a new Downtown Hayward Public Library and Heritage Plaza.
- Extensive annual roadway repair and repaving projects.
- Opened a new regional Fire Training Center and Fire Station #6.
COVID-19 Response:
- Established testing and vaccination sites.
- Distributed food and masks.
- Created grant programs to support local businesses.

Transition to Santa Barbara

McAdoo will assume her new role as Santa Barbara City Administrator in late May. Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse expressed enthusiasm for her appointment, highlighting her skills, temperament, and relevant experience. In Santa Barbara’s “weak mayor” system, the city administrator plays a crucial role in hiring department heads, drafting the annual budget, and setting city council agendas.

Hayward’s Next Steps

McAdoo’s last day with Hayward was May 3. The Hayward City Council plans to appoint an interim City Manager while a comprehensive search is conducted for a permanent successor. The city has engaged executive recruitment agency Bob Murray & Associates to assist in finding the next chief executive.

Sources

Santa Barbara Appoints New City Administrator Kelly McAdoo, The Santa Barbara Independent.
Hayward recruits next City Manager, Tri City Voice.
Hayward City Manager to leave City of Hayward to become Santa Barbara City Administrator, City of Hayward (.gov).

Author

Tom Wong

I am passionate about mentoring minority and at-risk youth and their parents, solving complex problems, and helping others achieve their potential. I aim to give back to the community by serving as a voice for parents, children, and the conservatives of Alameda County.