City Manager Maraskeshia Smith Announces her Departure

Today Santa Rosa City Manager Maraskeshia Smith announced she is stepping down as the City's top executive. She has accepted an offer to serve as City Manager for the City of Sacramento.

"This decision comes after deep reflection and with immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary city," Ms. Smith said in an email to all City staff. She expressed appreciation for the City's hardworking staff, volunteers, community-based organizations, and elected leaders.

Ms. Smith has over 20 years of experience in public service leadership in Ohio and California. Since her appointment as City Manager in January 2022, she has strengthened regional partnerships and spearheaded numerous initiatives that have enhanced City services and quality of life. Examples include:

• Completion of the Finley Aquatic Center renovation.
• Establishment of a vehicle replacement fund to ensure planned, timely replacement of fire department equipment.
• Development of hundreds of affordable housing units, including Mahonia Glen, Stewart Cannery, and Tierra de Rosas.
• Expansion of the Housing Heroes voucher program and safe parking pilot program.
• Construction of the Hearn Avenue Overcrossing, upcoming construction of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing, and increased funding for active transportation projects.

Over the course of nearly four years, Ms. Smith has earned a reputation for fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and commitment to public service. "Maraskeshia has been an exceptional leader," said Mayor Mark Stapp. "Her unwavering commitment to our city and ability to turn vision into measurable results have elevated the services we provide to our community. The City Council is grateful for her leadership and wishes her the best of luck in her next endeavor. I am personally going to miss working with her."

Ms. Smith's final day will be January 2, 2026. The City Council will soon begin the process of finding a successor to build on Smith's commitment to excellence, integrity, and public service.

News Release