Phoenix council votes 5-4 to hire Ed Zuercher as city manager amid sharp public debate
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Summary
After extensive public comment and a divided council, Phoenix approved an employment agreement to reappoint former city manager Ed Zuercher in a 5-4 vote. The decision followed hours of testimony about policing reforms, hiring process transparency and city labor relations.
Ed Zuercher will return as Phoenix city manager after the City Council approved an employment agreement in a 5-4 vote on Sept. 17, 2025, following hours of public comment and council debate. Vice Mayor O'Brien moved to enter the employment agreement; the motion passed after a roll call vote.
Council members and dozens of public speakers framed the item as a choice between continuity and a more open hiring process. Supporters from business groups, transit advocates and labor unions said Zuercher’s experience would provide stability as the city navigates executive turnover and economic uncertainty. Opponents — including community organizers, residents and council members — said the rehiring was rushed, excluded community and staff input, and raised concerns tied to events during Zuercher’s prior tenure, including a Department of Justice investigation into Phoenix Police Department practices.
Why it matters: The city manager runs day-to-day operations for the fifth-largest U.S. city and oversees public safety, budgets, labor negotiations and major infrastructure programs. The council majority argued Zuercher’s experience would help maintain continuity as several senior leaders depart; dissenting members said the process sidelined staff and community participation and risked reversing police reforms.
Supporters’ case: Dozens of business and civic leaders told the council they backed Zuercher for his institutional knowledge and relationships. Mike Hawkins of the Greater Phoenix Chamber said Zuercher provided a “steady hand” in politically uncertain times. Retired city officials and transit advocates described Zuercher’s past leadership on budgeting and regional transportation work, citing his role on past initiatives including Transportation 2050 and MAG negotiations.
Zuercher’s response and commitments: In remarks during council questioning, Zuercher said he would follow the policy direction set by council and pledged continuity for ongoing reform work. He told Councilwoman Hernandez, “I will follow the law, and I’ll follow the direction of the council,” and said he would “continue the direction that the council and Jeff and his team have set, for the continued reform and accountability of our public safety.” He also said he would prioritize employee investment and succession planning and commit to “working transparently” with labor unions.
Opponents’ concerns: Residents and advocates described feeling sidelined by the process. Several speakers cited statistics and findings from the Department of Justice review of Phoenix Police Department and blamed leadership during Zuercher’s earlier tenure for a period of elevated police violence. Councilwoman Hernandez said the process was rushed and lacked transparency and staff and community input, and she voted no. Other council members who opposed the appointment said they doubted Zuercher would be the right person to lead further police accountability.
Council action and next steps: The council approved the employment agreement by a 5-4 margin. Vice Mayor O’Brien moved to enter into the agreement; the item then returned to council discussion, public comment, and final roll call. The contract will be administered under terms described by staff, and city attorneys said Zuercher would suspend his pension and re-enter the city retirement system per the contract terms. Council members said they expect follow-up conversations with Zuercher about labor outreach, succession planning and public-safety reforms.
Context and caveats: Council members repeatedly distinguished between their authority to appoint a city manager under the city charter and broader hiring best practices. Legal staff said council has authority under the charter to appoint a manager and that outside counsel had been consulted about retirement-system issues and contract form. Several council members said the item’s timing was driven by the announced departure date of the current city manager, Jeff Barton.
The council’s vote closes this phase of the process; opponents said they will continue to press council and staff for oversight and for continued attention to police reforms and community engagement.
