News Story

After an extensive recruitment, the Alameda City Council is set to appoint Jennifer Ott as Alameda’s new City Manager at its December 6, 2022 meeting. Ms. Ott is expected to begin work January 3, 2023.

"I am truly excited about returning to the City of Alameda as its next City Manager,” said Jennifer Ott. “My previous 13 years working for Alameda, and the many relationships I developed, will allow me to hit the ground running and immediately begin implementing Council and community priorities.”

Alameda’s City Manager is appointed by and reports directly to the Mayor and City Council. As the City’s Chief Administrative Officer, the City Manager provides leadership and organizational direction for City operations.

“On behalf of the City Council, I’m delighted to welcome Jennifer Ott back to Alameda as its new City Manager,” stated Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft. “With more than 20 years of local government experience, including 13 years serving the City of Alameda, Jennifer understands Alameda’s unique opportunities and challenges. I have no doubt she will provide exceptional leadership for this organization, and be a valuable partner to the City Council, while serving our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Since 2018, Ms. Ott has worked for the City of Hayward where she currently serves as Assistant City Manager and Development Services Director. From 2005 to 2018, Ms. Ott worked for the City of Alameda as Redevelopment Manager, Acting Assistant City Manager, Chief Operating Officer of Alameda Point, and Base Reuse and Transportation Planning Director. In 2009, Ms. Ott oversaw the renovation of the Alameda Theatre which won numerous awards, including from the California Redevelopment Association, California Preservation Foundation, and California Art Deco Society.

Ms. Ott holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Spanish from the University of California, Davis. She is also fluent in Spanish.

As we welcome our new City Manager, the City acknowledges and thanks former Human Resources Director Nancy Bronstein and Public Works Director Erin Smith who served as Interim City Managers during the recruitment process.