07-06-2026 Lakewood City Council Special Meeting Video

The Lakewood City Council held a special workshop meeting on July 6, 2026, focused on the recruitment process for a new city manager following the retirement announcement of the current manager. The council discussed the procurement and selection process, including the use of an executive recruiting firm, GMP Consultants, which was selected through a formal RFP process. The consultants presented the timeline and candidate evaluation criteria, highlighting a strong pool of over 40 applicants narrowed down to 10 semifinalists. Council members deliberated on the number of finalists to interview, the confidentiality of candidate information, and the structure of interviews and community receptions. They also discussed the development of interview questions aligned with ideal candidate traits such as change management, diversity, inclusion, and servant leadership. The council agreed to interview five finalists, hold two receptions on one evening for community and business leaders, and schedule executive sessions to review contracts and negotiations. The meeting emphasized transparency, community involvement, and a thorough evaluation process to select a visionary city manager for Lakewood's future.