I want to convey my deep gratitude to the many members of our community who participated in the search process for Durango’s new city manager.
Although the process is not yet over (we still have to finalize employment agreements), the unanimous Durango City Council decision to offer this position to Jose Madrigal is a giant step forward and deserves recognition.
The council decision was made only after a thorough search process that had to be adapted and refined in order to proceed in an equitable and transparent manner, despite the constraints of the pandemic. I thank Mayor Dean Brookie for his many efforts facilitating the coordination and timing of events and processes. I thank all city councilors for their time, energy and due diligence as they reviewed candidates, participated in interviews and selected finalists.
I also want to thank the residents for their valuable input. We had significant community involvement in the Virtual Meet and Greet, and an enormous amount of feedback from residents.
A special word of appreciation to Amber Blake, our current interim city manager, for her consistent commitment to serving our community. She has provided exemplary leadership during a difficult time of transition. Her tireless efforts on behalf of the city continue to this day.
And I thank you again, residents of Durango, for giving me the opportunity to participate as your city councilor in such a critically important decision for Durango.
Melissa YoussefDurango
