Hayward council appoints Jennifer Ott as city manager, hire effective Dec. 8

The Hayward City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Oct. 21 appointing Jennifer Ott as the city’s next city manager, with an effective start date of Dec. 8, 2025. The vote followed a multi-stage recruitment that included stakeholder interview panels representing the city executive team, labor partners and community members.

City Attorney Michael Lawson described the process to the council: the city used an outside consultant to recruit candidates, interviewed a final slate of three and convened three stakeholder panels to provide feedback. After a final interview and review of stakeholder input, the council selected Jennifer Ott.

Council members offered unanimous praise for Ott and thanked the staff and stakeholders involved in the recruitment. Several council members and staff noted Ott’s prior service in Hayward and her experience as Alameda city manager; council members said they valued her leadership and ability to hit the ground running. Council members also acknowledged the hard work of interim and acting staff who led the city during the recruitment, including the acting city manager and the city attorney.

Council members noted that Ott agreed to concessions in initial compensation and benefits to demonstrate solidarity with the organization given the city's fiscal challenges; staff materials included the approved employment agreement and effective date. The council directed the mayor to execute the agreement.

The resolution passed unanimously. Ott was not present in the chamber because she was attending a concurrent meeting in Alameda, but council members said she was listening remotely and extended a formal welcome.