The Sacramento City Council today appointed Maraskeshia Smith as City Manager following a nationwide search, making her the first Black woman to hold the role in the City’s history. Her appointment becomes effective Jan. 5, 2026.
“We are honored to welcome Maraskeshia to the team,” Mayor Kevin McCarty said. “Not only is she an accomplished and transformative leader, more than equipped to take on the role, but also a dedicated public servant, committed to collaborative partnership and the long-term wellbeing of the residents she serves.”
As City Manager, she will oversee nearly 6,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees, manage an annual operating budget of $1.6 billion, and implement policy direction from the Council.
“I accept the role of City Manager for the City of Sacramento with deep gratitude and humility,” Smith said. “Sacramento is a city characterized by its resilience, diversity, and ambition, a true mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, and ideas, all unified by a common goal for progress and prosperity. As City Manager, my vision is to create an environment where every resident, business owner, and volunteer feels seen, heard, and valued. I will lead with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to innovation, fostering a culture that embraces forward-thinking solutions. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that our services are accessible, our neighborhoods remain safe, clean, and vibrant, and that our customer service is both expedient and equitable. My aim is to make Sacramento the best-managed city in the country.”
Smith has more than two decades of experience in public service, including positions as Deputy Director and Director of Public Works in Cincinnati, Assistant City Administrator in Oakland, and Deputy City Manager in Stockton. She currently serves as City Manager of Santa Rosa. She earned her Master of Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky. In 2024, she earned the distinguished title of Credentialed Manager from International City/County Management Association.
“Maraskeshia is the right person at the right time for our city,” said Councilmember Rick Jennings, Chair of the Personnel and Public Employees Committee, who led the recruitment effort on behalf of the City Council. “A gifted leader with a track record of cultural and operational transformation. I look forward to forging a true partnership to serve our residents and move our community forward.”
The City Council launched a national recruitment effort in January. The City hired CPS HR Consulting to conduct the recruitment, which included interviews with the Mayor and Council, as well as community meetings. Finalists were interviewed by the Council in recent weeks. The proposed contract for Smith includes a $399,000 annual salary and will go before the Council for approval on Oct. 14.
Assistant City Manager Leyne Milstein has served as Interim City Manager since January 2025 and will continue in that role until Smith begins her tenure in January 2026.