News Room

Redwood City, California — After 10 years as City Manager for Redwood City and 34 years in Bay Area local government service, City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz has announced her intent to retire in December 2025. “It has been an honor and a joy to serve as City Manager for Redwood City,” Stevenson Diaz said. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together for this great community and I think it is the right time to pass the baton to the next City Manager.”

A Credentialed Manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Stevenson Diaz began work in Redwood City in October 2015, following progressively responsible positions for the cities of Morgan Hill, Fremont and Mountain View. With core strengths in budgeting and fiscal management, she strengthened the City’s financial practices and helped garner voter support for increased funding for City services. Under her leadership, the City is now constructing the Veteran’s Memorial Building/Senior Center, expected to open later this year. Additionally, she advocated for the S.R. 84/U.S. 101 reconstruction project which will reduce congestion and create safer pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. The project is positioned to begin a roughly three-year construction effort as early as 2027, with the majority of funding already secured. 

She is a champion of continuous improvement efforts, both within the City organization and through her service on the executive board for the Center for Public Safety Excellence, an international organization focused on leading the fire and emergency service to excellence. During the COVID-19 pandemic she enabled the City to provide vital services while protecting employee and community safety and avoiding staff layoffs in spite of precipitous drops in revenue.

“I really admire the outstanding work our employees do every day, led by our amazing Executive Team,” Stevenson Diaz commented. “We can do our best because our City Councils have shown great leadership over many years.” To support the City Council’s governance, Stevenson Diaz strengthened strategic planning efforts and ensured staff worked effectively with the City Council to meet community needs. The City’s reputation for the strong partnership between the City Council and staff has made Redwood City a highly-desirable employer for top talent.

Stevenson Diaz enhanced the City’s organizational culture, supporting professional development and a spirit of belonging. In 2022, the League of California Cities City Manager’s Department presented her with the Award for the Advancement of Diverse Communities. Selected by fellow city managers, this statewide award recognizes personal leadership in promoting diversity within the workplace, community and city management profession.

Her regional leadership includes serving as the Chair for the San Mateo County City Manager’s Association in 2020, as a Management Committee member for the San Mateo County Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services Joint Powers Authority, and as a member of San Mateo County’s Shared Prosperity Council. Throughout her time in Redwood City, she has actively supported Redwood City Together, a community collaborative advancing the success of youth and families in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks. Additionally, she is a member of the Cañada College President’s Advisory Council, and a long-time member of the NextGen Silicon Valley leadership team.

“Melissa has led Redwood City with integrity, compassion and a clear vision for the future,” said Mayor Martínez Saballos. “Her legacy is one of thoughtful leadership, strengthened partnerships, and deep commitment to building a city organization grounded in service. Redwood City is better because of her, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.”

Reflecting on her time with the City, Stevenson Diaz shared, “Redwood City is a very special place, and the City’s vision to be a community where every person can thrive inspired me every day. I will miss this community and the City organization, but I am confident the good work will go on.”

The City Council is expected to determine the selection process for the next City Manager in the next month. 

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About the City of Redwood City: The City of Redwood City is a San Francisco Bay Area community located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the technology-rich region extending from the San Francisco Peninsula to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwood City is the third largest city within the County of San Mateo, with 85,992 residents. The city enjoys an average of 255 sunny days a year, which it boasts via the city slogan: "Climate Best by Government Test.” Incorporated in 1867, Redwood City is home to the San Mateo County History Museum (located in the county's old courthouse) and the only active deep-water port within the south bay of San Francisco. The city's vibrant downtown, quickly becoming known as the entertainment hub of the San Francisco Peninsula, offers residents, visitors, and businesses a unique retail, entertainment, and restaurant experience.