The City of Dallas is stepping up its game in the quest for a new City Manager, revealing three top contenders for the role and providing residents an opportunity to weigh in. In a move to bolster governmental transparency and resident involvement, the City has disclosed the finalists: William Johnson, Mario Lara, and Kimberly Tolbert, each equipped with a diverse portfolio and dedication to public service, according to an announcement made last Friday by the Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, which was detailed in the City of Dallas.
Dallas citizens are invited to meet these candidates at three separate "Meet and Greet" sessions scheduled across different locations, where they can interact directly with the trio and share their hopes and concerns for Dallas's future—a step that Atkins believes is a precious chance for locals to voice their aspirations and exercise their stake in the administrative fabric of the city saying, “These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity for our community to meet the candidates and share their vision for the future of Dallas,” and urging dwellers to partake actively, the sessions are slated for January 11 and 12, and the details of times and venues are made available in the city's announcement.
Delving into the profiles of the three hopefuls, William Johnson brings to the table his leadership from within Fort Worth's administrative ranks, overseeing sectors from Economic Development to Emergency Services, backed by prior engagements in Atlanta and Baltimore, with the private sector also peppered into his dossier. Mario Lara, derived from Sacramento, has managed the city's Public Safety docket since May of the previous year; before that, his resume boasts roles in aiding youth and communities in diverse capacities across several Californian municipalities. Lastly, standing-in Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert, holding the interim reins since May 2024 has a tenure marked with leadership across departments such as Aviation and Homeless Solutions, with prior Dallas city roles and a 15-year stint at the North Texas Tollway Authority to her credit.
