City Connections: Jan. 8, 2026

Hello Santa Rosa,

I'm thrilled to start the new year as your Interim City Manager and will serve in this role until a permanent City Manager is hired later this year. I'm honored to serve you and excited to work alongside this incredible community. With a focus on families, a collective emphasis on inclusivity, and a commitment to building community, Santa Rosa truly is a big city with a small town feel. This, along with the City Council's passion for public service, is what drew me to Santa Rosa.

With more than 35 years in local government and finance, my focus has always been on delivering high-quality services while maintaining strong fiscal health. Most recently, I served as City Manager in Costa Mesa, where we strengthened financial reserves, secured millions in grants for parks and open space, and built partnerships that created new opportunities for residents. Throughout my career, I've championed innovation and collaboration-values I will continue to uphold here in Santa Rosa. I am deeply committed to ethical leadership and ensuring decisions are made with integrity and accountability. I'm also passionate about enhancing quality-of-life services that keep our neighborhoods vibrant and welcoming.

"Santa Rosa - Leading the North Bay" isn't just a vision statement - it's what motivates your Council and City staff every day. Together, we can build on the City's strong foundation and ensure Santa Rosa remains a wonderful place to live. I look forward to listening, learning, and working with you to keep our city thriving.

Warm regards,
Lori Ann Farrell