Summary
The city council's decision to place the city manager on leave and appoint an acting manager sparked intense community debate over leadership stability and administrative direction.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 2
Last discussed May 5, 2026.
Impact analysis
Ongoing compensation for the city manager on leave plus interim administrative costs.
Council members seeking a change in administrative direction.
Residents and staff concerned with frequent administrative turnover.
Mentions & discussions (20)
Scott: Antioch Cannot Heal While Recycling the Leaders and Conditions that Harmed its Residents
About the Author: Bessie Marie Scott, EMPA, CIG, is a former Antioch City Manager who previously served as Seattle’s Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety and as Policy Director and… The post Scott: Antioch Cannot Heal While Recycling the Leader...
Antioch City Council Calls Special Meeting to Name Interim City Manager
On Wednesday, the Antioch City Council has called for a special meeting to discuss a public employee appointment for interim city manager. The move comes as City Manager Bessie M.… The post Antioch City Council Calls Special Meeting to Name Interim C...
Acting City Manager Acknowledges Error That Locked Antioch Councilmember Out of Key Vote
Acting City Manager Acknowledges Error That Locked Antioch Councilmember Out of Key Vote California City News
Emails Show City Manager Error Locked Antioch Councilmember Out of Meeting
Emails Show City Manager Error Locked Antioch Councilmember Out of Meeting Contra Costa News
City Council - May 5, 2026
Residents expressed significant concern over the frequent turnover and evaluation of the City Manager, arguing that it creates instability and hinders progress on city goals.
City Council (Special) - May 5, 2026
The city council's decision to place the city manager on leave and appoint an acting manager sparked intense community debate over leadership stability and administrative direction.
Antioch Council to evaluate city manager Tuesday afternoon, appoint acting city manager
Antioch Council to evaluate city manager Tuesday afternoon, appoint acting city manager antiochherald.com
Antioch City Manager shares her thoughts on the role and position
Antioch City Manager shares her thoughts on the role and position antiochherald.com
Editorial: I am Glad I Was Wrong About Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott
Editorial: I am Glad I Was Wrong About Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott Contra Costa News
Antioch City Council appoints economic development director as next acting city manager | Antioch Herald
Will discuss 18 other agenda items during special meeting next Tuesday “There are some big shoes to fill.” – Reed said of the departing Forrest Ebbs Kwame Reed. Source: City of Antioch By Allen D. Payton Durin...
Antioch Assistant City Manager leaving for new job as Deputy County Clerk-Recorder | Antioch Herald
Kwame Reed is heading for a new job with Contra Costa County. Photo source: LinkedIn profile Former Acting City Manager, Economic Development Director Kwame Reed was appointed to current position in January By ...
Antioch Council takes no reportable action on appointing an interim city manager | Antioch Herald
The Antioch City Council gathers for a special meeting before adjourning to a two-hour closed session Monday afternoon, Oct. 19, 2026. Video screenshot By Allen D. Payton During a special Closed Session meeting...
Con is gone: embattled Antioch city manager gives two-week notice
Con is gone: embattled Antioch city manager gives two-week notice
Antioch schools superintendent sues District, Trustee Rocha, others claiming retaliation, discrimination, harassment, more | Antioch Herald
Dr. Darnise Williams, in her 4th job in the past 6 years, claims a “campaign to remove” her for refusing “to overlook questionable payments” and because she “disclosed fiscal and legal noncompliance to officials empowered to correct it,” plus, “she made an internal complaint concerning discriminatory, biased, harassing, and retaliatory treatment by Board leadership, including conduct directed at her as a Black woman” and makes multiple accusations against Rocha – the only Trustee to vote against hiring her
Antioch City Manager shares her thoughts on the role and position | Antioch Herald
Antioch City Manager Bessie Marie Scott. Photo: City of Antioch In second year of two-year contract “It sounds hard, and it is – but JOY abounds here!” – Bessie Marie Scott By Allen D. Payton Antioch City Manag...
Antioch City Manager to retire at end of 2021 | Antioch Herald
By Allen Payton Ron Bernal. Photo: City of Antioch Antioch City Manager Ron Bernal has announced his intent to retire at the close of 2021, ending a 36-year career in public service. With single and combined r...
Antioch Council hires controversial new city manager on split vote following heated exchange between mayor, councilman | Antioch Herald
The Antioch City Council voted 3-2 to hire Bessie Marie Scott as the new city manager for the next two years. Sources: Facebook (left) and LinkedIn (right) Will be paid $263,880 per year plus benefits Accusatio...
Antioch Council to hold special afternoon Closed Session meeting Wednesday on appointing interim, recruiting permanent city manager | Antioch Herald
Current Antioch Acting City Manager Ana Cortez and outgoing City Manager Bessie M. Scott. Photos: City of Antioch On last day of current City Manager Bessie Scott’s contract By Allen D. Payton The Antioch City ...
Antioch acting city manager remains in position, council to appoint interim later, begins recruitment process for permanent hire | Antioch Herald
Antioch City Attorney Lori Asuncion reports out from Closed Session while Acting City Manager Ana Cortez looks on during the council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. Video screenshot Public comments before t...
Antioch Council moves forward on hiring search firm for city manager position | Antioch Herald
During special Closed Session meeting last Friday, less than two weeks before the election “…the selection of the City Manager should be made by the new council members after the election.” – Councilman Louie R...
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