(AUBURN, CA.) — Auburn is entering a period of transition as city leaders work to fill a vacant City Council seat, conduct a search for a permanent city manager and prepare for upcoming local elections that will help shape the city's future.
The changes follow the June 27 death of longtime council member and former Mayor Mike Holmes, whose more than two decades of public service were recognized during a recent City Council meeting.
Council members reflected on Holmes' election to the City Council in 2002 and his terms as mayor in 2005 and 2008, while also recognizing his involvement in historic preservation, veterans' organizations, Rotary, and the Navy League.
Council Member Mike Holmes (Image Source: City of Auburn)
Council Member Alice Dowdin Calvillo described Holmes as someone whose commitment centered on serving the community. "Mike was service-focused. He truly was," Dowdin Calvillo said. "He wanted Auburn to be the best that it could be for our future."
The council observed a moment of silence before adjourning the meeting in Holmes' memory.
With Holmes' passing creating a vacancy on the five-member council, officials opened an application process for residents interested in serving as an interim council member. The council is expected to make an appointment August 12, two days after the candidate filing period for the upcoming election concludes. The appointed council member will serve until the next elected representative is sworn into office following the regular election cycle.
Rather than holding a special election, the appointment allows the council to maintain continuity while voters ultimately choose Holmes' long-term successor through the normal election process.
Council Member Dowdin Calvillo noted “for the record” that this was “the third time we are doing this since 2020,” calling the recurring vacancy process “interesting.” In the last year, similar municipal vacancies and interim placeholders have occurred in communities across multiple regions, including several previously reported by opgov.news.
The vacancy comes as Auburn prepares for local elections that will determine who will help guide city policy and priorities in the years ahead. City council members establish policy, approve budgets, oversee infrastructure and economic development decisions, direct public safety priorities and hire and evaluate the city manager, who is responsible for managing the city's day-to-day operations and implementing council direction.
In addition to Council Member Holmes’ seat, Mayor Kelley Davis and Council Member Sandra Amara have terms expiring in November. Residents interested in serving on the council may participate through the official candidate nomination process before filing deadlines established for the election.
The leadership transition extends beyond the council chambers.
Former City Manager Sean Rabé recently resigned to become Placer County's Assistant Chief Executive Officer after serving as Auburn's top administrator. During the council meeting recognizing his service, Rabé thanked council members, city employees and residents for their support throughout his tenure. "Auburn's been a great city for me to work at," Rabé said. "It's been the highlight of my career as a public administrator."
Rabé also thanked his family for supporting the demands of public service.
Following his departure, the council approved an employment contract with James Lindsay to serve as interim city manager at a rate of $108.94 per hour, while beginning a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.
Mayor Kelley Davis said that Lindsay brings with him “a long career in public service including [roles as] a city manager, community development director and neighborhood service director.” As interim city manager, Lindsay will oversee daily city operations, coordinate city departments, supervise staff and continue implementation of council priorities during the recruitment process.
Interim City Manager James Lindsay (left) addresses the City Council alongside City Attorney Gary Bell. (Image Source: Auburn City Council via YouTube)
To assist with the search, the council selected executive recruitment firm Bob Murray & Associates, which will help establish a recruitment timeline, conduct outreach and evaluate candidates for the permanent position.
While the administrative transition continues, city projects were discussed and remain underway.
Later in the meeting, Interim City Manager James Lindsay provided his first report to the council, covering the General Plan Amendment and Environmental Impact Report, proposed food truck ordinance changes, infrastructure planning and public works projects. Other presentations during the meeting highlighted the potential for a Class 4 bike lane on Pacific Ave., the city's shared fire services partnership with the Placer Hills Fire Protection District, and local entrepreneurship initiatives, including the Greater Auburn Collective business accelerator.
In all, the coming months will bring several significant decisions for Auburn, including the appointment of an interim council member, the selection of a permanent city manager and the election of future council members who will establish policy direction for the city. Together, those decisions will influence how Auburn addresses infrastructure needs, economic development, public safety, long-range planning and community growth while preserving the character residents have long valued.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at robert.m@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below with your thoughts
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