BREAKING: Dallas, We Have a City Manager and it’s Exactly Who You Think it is

The Dallas City Council extended an offer Wednesday to Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, who will become the first Black female to lead the ninth-largest city in America. Her salary is $450,000. Council members Cara Mendelsohn and Paul RIdley voted against it.

Ridley expressed concerns about a “golden parachute” severance package in Tolbert’s contract amounting to $900,000 or two years’ salary if she is terminated. Mendelsohn pointed out some missed opportunities with city-owned assets and shortfalls in dealing with homelessness, street repair, and public safety. 

The road to naming a city manager has been a rocky one, starting with former City Manager T.C. Broadnax’s departure in February. Tolbert has been serving as interim CEO, reporting to the mayor and 14 City Council members, preparing a $5 billion budget, and overseeing about 13,000 employees. 

Dallas City Manager Interviews Continue Wednesday After Public Meet and Greet Sessions

She’s had some successes but residents and council members have criticized the search process, saying there weren’t enough qualified candidates to choose from and that the process, led by executive search firm Baker Tilly, was rigged in Tolbert’s favor. 

Fort Worth Assistant City Manager William Johnson and Sacramento Assistant City Manager Mario Lara were also considered for the job and all three finalists met with the public at meet-and-greet events earlier this month. 

 Tolbert has served as Dallas’ interim city manager since May 2024, previously serving as deputy city manager, overseeing the departments of Aviation, Water Utilities, Human Resources, and Homeless Solutions. Earlier roles with Dallas included chief of staff to city manager, as well as positions in finance and administration. Her career also includes 15 years in executive roles with the North Texas Tollway Authority.

Tolbert highlighted her career in Dallas at a Jan. 12 meet and greet. 

“I came here as a budding rose from Tyler, Texas, and Dallas allowed me to bloom,” Tolbert told attendees at the meet and greet events. “I have been with this city through moments of crisis and moments of triumph, and I have led with a focus on stability. As your interim city manager, I am proud of the work that I have been able to accomplish.” 

Watch Tolbert’s comments at Wednesday’s City Council meeting

Watch the Jan. 22 Dallas City Council meeting in its entirety here.

City Council Response

Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins made the motion to appoint Tolbert, and it was seconded by Lake Highlands Councilmember Kathy Stewart. 

“This has not been the easiest journey,” said Atkins, who chaired an ad hoc committee that worked directly with the executive search firm. “I believe this city manager has the expertise and the compassion that I do. She believes in talking to the people and she believes in going to the community … Dallas is one of the greatest cities in America, and we should show that we have one of the greatest city managers in America.” 

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua said Tolbert has a service-oriented work ethic that exudes passion at every turn.

“I’ve never seen her get defeated,” he said. “I’ve never had an issue, even when I’m upset, that seems to get her upset.”

Bazaldua added that he was proud to be part of the historic hire. 

“When you talk about inequities and disparities that exist, there’s a lot of talking points and a lot of buzzwords and a lot of BS, quite frankly, that’s going on politically that wants to completely undervalue and diminish the worth that I see in who we are hiring as the top executive of our city,” he said. “Even inferring that this is a [Diversity Equity Inclusion] hire is absurd. What we did was an exhaustive search of talent across this country and what we ended up with was something I already knew, and that’s that we already have the best in the City of Dallas.” 

Councilman Zarin Gracey, a former city employee, said Tolbert was the clear choice for the CEO job. Councilman Omar Narvaez commended Tolbert’s “spirit of joy.” 

“She’ll meet anybody anywhere in order to figure out the job and how to get it done,” he said. “You have integrity. You do things with grace. You are thoughtful and intelligent. You’re very fair.” 

Preston Hollow Councilwoman Gay Donnell Willis responded to criticism that the search didn’t extend to the private sector. Private sector CEOs would be taking a pay cut, reporting to 15 bosses, and conducting business meetings on television if they left to come work for the City of Dallas, which is not particularly appealing to everyone, Willis explained. 

“For some crazy reason, you’re still wanting this job, Kim,” Willis said. “What we can get is the private sector action and accountability. It doesn’t have to be someone coming from that realm. It can be someone that we have right here.” 

We’re continuing to follow this story and will have comments from Mayor Eric Johnson, the council members who voted against Tolbert’s contract, and the real estate community in Monday’s newsletter.