SAN ANTONIO – Updated Thursday at 11 a.m.:
The San Antonio City Council unanimously approved Erik Walsh as SA city manager.
Walsh will succeed Sheryl Sculley, who announced her retirement late last year.
Walsh received a standing ovation following the vote.
He will begin his duties in March.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg released the following statement about Walsh's approval:
"The appointment of Erik Walsh is a significant moment in San Antonio's history. And almost certainly, the signature decision that will be made by this City Council. Appointing a City Manager is the most important task that our City Council can face, and it doesn't happen often.
It hasn't been done for more than 13 years, and in fact, Erik Walsh will be only the 20th City Manager in San Antonio's history.
As we take measure of the historic gravity of this moment, I am proud of my City Council colleagues. They have accepted this responsibility with the professional approach that it merited.
I said from the outset that I wanted this to be a process that met the standards of professionalism and transparency that the public expects and that the importance of this decision requires. And I wanted this process to show a strong focus on community engagement. And we succeeded.
I have no doubt that Erik is right person for the job. He is a consummate professional with a cool, calm demeanor. He has a total command of municipal issues. San Antonio is on a roll. There has never been a better time to live and invest here. And Erik Walsh will be a city manager who ensures this city will keep the momentum going."
Following is a statement from District 7 Councilwoman Ana Saldoval:
"A city manager is tasked with a lot of responsibilities. Chief among them, the responsibility of implementing policies that City Council passes and ensuring the delivery of quality city services. After having worked with Mr. Walsh over the past year and a half, I am confident he will excel in the role.
The contract my colleagues and I approved today requires an annual performance review. The council owes the city manager a reoccurring and honest assessment, just like any other city employee receives, and the public deserves to know that their representatives are holding the manager's performance accountable to a high bar."
Following is a statement from District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry:
"I'm excited to welcome Erik Walsh as San Antonio's 20th city manager. Erik is a proven leader, who has risen through the ranks from budget analyst, to deputy city manager and now city manager. Erik is a San Antonio native who truly understands the needs of our community and will guide us as San Antonio continues to grow. Mr. Walsh's values are reflected by the neighbors of District 10 and San Antonio and we're all looking forward to working with him."
Original story:
The list of 31 applicants for San Antonio's new city manager has been narrowed down to one and now City Council will vote on Thursday to appoint Deputy City Manager Erik Walsh and approve his contract for the position.
Walsh was the deputy city manager and, according to his bio on the city website, has 24 years of municipal government experience with the City of San Antonio.
The city manager position became vacant when Sheryl Sculley announced in late November that she plans to retire after 13 years with the city.
Sculley said she planned to stay on no later than June to help with the transition of her successor.
A Central Catholic High School and Trinity University graduate, Walsh said that the agenda of the Texas Legislature, the implementation of the city's affordable housing business plan, a longterm funding policy for Haven for Hope and the dockless vehicle pilot program will be some of his priorities.
Walsh was first appointed to be deputy city manager in October 2011. Prior to that he was promoted to assistant city manager in February 2006. He currently oversees the Metropolitan Health District, the San Antonio Fire Department, the San Antonio Police Department and 311 Customer Service.
"Erik has advanced from budget analyst to Deputy City Manager during his 24 years with the city, demonstrating strong leadership abilities and a collaborative spirit while rising through the ranks,” Mayor Nirenberg said in a statement. “His skill and experience overseeing crucial public safety departments will enable him to serve San Antonio well.”