FORMER STOCKTON CITY MANAGER Harry Black has his old job back — but this time in another city, and one that’s not very far away.
The Vallejo City Council voted Tuesday to appoint Black as interim city manager.
Black was the unanimous choice by the Vallejo council from among three candidates described as “highly qualified” for the top administrative role, according to briefing documents ahead of the meeting.
Black spent nearly five years as Stockton’s city manager before abruptly resigning under threat of firing in January 2025, as four new council members took office. He was replaced with an interim, Steve Colangelo, a former San Joaquin County fairgrounds manager. Colangelo worked under a six-month contract, which was not renewed. He left amid controversy over his budgeting policies.
Vallejo officials who recommended Black for the top job in the city of about 120,000 portrayed him as a can-do, motivated municipal executive with strong financial management skills.
“Mr. Black oversaw a period marked by structurally balanced budgets, sustained operating surpluses, and consistent clean audit opinions,” Vallejo meeting agenda papers say in describing Black’s tenure in Stockton, a city of about 320,000. “Mr. Black has also overseen more than $5 billion in municipal bond transactions, contributing to improved financial positions and bond rating upgrades in multiple jurisdictions.”
His proposed pay package would be a base salary of $340,432 a year, a car allowance of $500 per month and a $3,000 housing allowance.
The Vallejo council is moving quickly in naming Black; the previous city manager, Andrew Murray, announced his resignation April 8.
This story originally appeared in Stocktonia.