San Bernardino council appoints Eric Levitt as permanent city manager, approves contract

The San Bernardino City Council on June 4 appointed Eric Levitt as the city’s next permanent city manager, approving an employment agreement by a 7–1 vote. Council member Kim Canas moved the appointment; Council member Theodore Sanchez seconded. Council member Ortiz cast the lone no vote.

The council took the action after a closed-session selection process. The employment agreement sets a base salary of $333,000 and an annual deferred-compensation contribution of $12,000. Additional contract provisions disclosed at the meeting include a $6,000 moving allowance, a $775 monthly vehicle allowance, an initial leave accrual package (including 120 hours of vacation and 80 hours each of sick and administrative leave), and severance equal to nine months’ base salary if the council terminates the manager. The contract also anticipates that Levitt will be a CalPERS PEPRA member and that annual base increases will be tied to CPI not to exceed 3% unless the council approves otherwise. The anticipated start date is Aug. 4, 2025.

Why it matters: San Bernardino has operated with interim leadership for an extended period. Council members who supported the hire said a permanent city manager was needed now to provide stability and to lead implementation of the FY 2025–26 budget and capital program; dissenting members said they were concerned about process and political dynamics on the dais.

What council members said: Supporters described the hire as necessary to provide the city with stable executive leadership as major capital projects and a multi‑year budget plan move forward. Council members who opposed the appointment said they were concerned about the process by which finalists were considered and about the city’s political environment, which they said makes it difficult for any new manager to succeed.

Contract and next steps: The city attorney reported the material economic terms in open session after the closed-session announcement. City staff said the Levitt salary and benefit costs are included in the adopted FY 2025–26 budget. Levitt will begin work in August and the city manager’s office plans a public transition process and goal‑setting with council early in his tenure.

The council vote: Motion to appoint Eric Levitt — moved by Council member Kim Canas, seconded by Council member Theodore Sanchez; vote 7 yes, 1 no (Council member Ortiz). The city attorney reported the vote and the employment terms in open session.

Context and background: The council has been led by interim managers in recent months; members who supported the hire said that a permanent appointment will help the city implement a multi‑year capital and operating plan and reduce executive turnover. The appointment drew public commentary both in support (residents and nonprofit leaders citing continuity) and in opposition (speakers critical of process and council dynamics).