SE Kansas City News

The Independence City Council has announced plans to begin a nationwide search for a new City Manager. The council will consider a resolution at its August 18 meeting to form a City Manager Search Council Subcommittee, which will be led by Councilmember Bridget McCandless.

"Our City is synonymous with exploration and vision," said McCandless, referencing the city's historical role as the starting point of major westward trails in the 1800s. "This is now our time to explore the future for our City. This is the most important decision a council can make - deciding who will help guide Independence into its next 200 years. We're eager to get started."

Current City Manager Zach Walker recently accepted an offer to become the City Manager of Bloomington, Minnesota. His last day in Independence will be October 12, 2025. According to city charter rules, both the City Council and Mayor are responsible for appointing a new manager.

Deputy City Manager Lisa Reynolds has been named Interim City Manager after Walker’s departure. Reynolds, who has lived in Independence her entire life and worked more than twenty years in municipal government, also holds credentials as a Certified Public Manager from the University of Kansas. She has served as Director of Municipal Services and Deputy City Manager since last year and will step away from her director role during this transition.

“Lisa’s leadership will keep us moving forward,” current City Manager Zach Walker said. “She knows the work, she knows the community, and she knows how to get things done."

Mike Jackson has been appointed as the next Director of Municipal Services for Independence. Jackson brings over two decades of experience with the city, including previous roles as Director of Human Resources and Deputy Director of Municipal Services. The department oversees services such as water supply, street maintenance, and construction management.

Independence is Missouri's fifth-largest city with more than 120,000 residents and about 1,000 employees. The city maintains around 1,400 lane miles within its boundaries that cover approximately 78 square miles. It operates its own utilities—including power, water, and wastewater—and manages nearly fifty public parks and facilities. Over recent years it has received recognition for digital innovation and community programs while passing its first General Obligation Bond ahead of its bicentennial celebration scheduled for 2027.