Dayton Hired Consultants for City Manager Search
The city has tapped a recruitment firm to manage the search for a new leader to oversee its $1 billion budget.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in People
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Dayton city commissioners approved an $80,000 contract with Raftelis Financial Consultants to lead the search for a new city manager. The firm will guide the hiring process ahead of the March 2027 retirement of current manager Shelley Dickstein.
Why it matters
The recruitment of a new city manager is a high-stakes transition for local businesses, as this role oversees a $1 billion annual budget and 2,000 employees. Operations rely on the predictability and policy direction set by this executive leadership.
Dayton approved an $80,000 contract for recruitment, which includes $39,000 in base milestone payments and optional community engagement services costing between $2,500 and $5,500. This firm will oversee the hiring for a position managing a $1 billion budget and 2,000 employees.
The players
Shelley Dickstein
The current city manager of Dayton who oversees a $1 billion budget and 2,000 municipal employees.
Raftelis Financial Consultants
A North Carolina-based firm specializing in management recruitment and financial consulting for municipal governments.
The details
The search process involves creating a candidate profile through interviews with the mayor, commissioners, and HR director. Raftelis Financial Consultants will manage outreach through professional organizations and conduct candidate evaluations. The firm is also tasked with facilitating community engagement sessions as part of the recruitment mandate.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: Commissioners approved the consultant contract.
Through December 31, 2026: Duration of the contract with Raftelis.
March 2027: Scheduled retirement date of city manager Shelley Dickstein.
Market Landscape
This recruitment process follows the standard management succession protocols established by the city charter. It reflects a shift toward external professional firm oversight for top-level municipal leadership transitions.
Business operators should monitor the selection process to gauge potential shifts in municipal administrative priorities. Prepare for engagement opportunities as the city integrates community feedback into the candidate profile phase.
The takeaway
The search for a top executive to manage a $1 billion operation is now officially underway. Operators should watch for upcoming public engagement dates to better understand the administrative vision the new manager will be expected to deliver.
Further reading
For broader insight into local leadership shifts, read more in People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dayton Daily News.
Live Poll
Should city officials always require public input before hiring a new city manager?
