WakeUp NMB hoped that 2026 would begin with professionalism, positivity, and maturity from our city’s leadership. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. That said, a supermajority of the Commission is demonstrating responsible leadership by committing to a professional and transparent process in selecting the next City Manager, and that deserves acknowledgment.
What is deeply concerning is the fragmented way City Manager interviews are being conducted, on different days, at different times, and in different locations. The Mayor’s interviews are scheduled for tomorrow between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at a community center rather than City Hall, where they cannot be televised on Channel 77. Meanwhile, at least five commissioners are conducting interviews together, as discussed at a prior Commission Meeting, tomorrow night in the City Hall chambers at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner Fleurimond has chosen to conduct his interviews privately on Wednesday.
For any interviews not held in the chambers and televised on Channel 77, they must be livestreamed or, at a minimum, recorded and promptly made available on the city’s website or official Facebook page. Transparency is not optional. As for private, one off interviews conducted behind closed doors, residents are right to question them. This approach undermines public trust and participation. Frankly, shame on any commissioner who believes this is acceptable.
This disjointed process makes it unnecessarily difficult for residents to follow one of the most important decisions this Commission will make. Given the recent and embarrassing turnover in City Managers, the public deserves better.
For those commissioners who take this responsibility seriously, WakeUp NMB looks forward to the panel interviews conducted openly and in public view.
Call to action: Residents who care about transparency and accountability should attend the City Manager panel interviews Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall chambers. Public presence matters, and showing up sends a clear message that North Miami Beach expects openness in its leadership decisions.
The next City Manager must be capable of leading staff effectively, addressing ineffective performance, identifying positions filled through favoritism rather than merit, and managing the varying leadership styles of the Commission. All of this must be done while keeping our city transparent, accessible, accountable, and fiscally responsible.
North Miami Beach is watching. 