Santa Rosa City Manager Departure Raises Equity Concerns

Sonoma County grapples with pattern of Black senior administrators leaving positions after short tenures

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A recent termination settlement with former Santa Rosa City Manager Maraskeshia Smith has prompted broader questions about patterns in Sonoma County government, where a number of Black senior administrators have departed their positions over the past several years. This has raised concerns about the county's ability to successfully recruit, support and retain diverse leadership, despite investments in racial equity initiatives.

Why it matters

Sonoma County has made efforts to address structural barriers and improve outcomes through initiatives like creating an Equity Core Team. However, the recurring departures of Black senior staff raise questions about the county's progress and whether recommended reforms have been effectively implemented.

The details

The termination settlement with former Santa Rosa City Manager Maraskeshia Smith is the latest in a series of departures of Black senior administrators in Sonoma County government over the past several years. This includes the former county health services director, her successor, the executive director of the Economic Development Board, the executive officer of the Sonoma County Superior Court, and now the Santa Rosa city manager. While each departure had its own stated reasons, the pattern is difficult to ignore.

  • Over the past several years, a number of Black senior administrators have left their positions in Sonoma County government.

The players

Maraskeshia Smith

The former city manager of Santa Rosa who recently received a termination settlement.

Sonoma County Equity Core Team

A team tasked with identifying structural barriers and recommending reforms to improve racial equity in Sonoma County government and employment.

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The takeaway

This pattern of departures raises important questions about Sonoma County's ability to successfully recruit, support and retain diverse leadership, despite its investments in racial equity initiatives. The Equity Core Team's findings and recommendations will be crucial in addressing these concerns and ensuring the county can build a more inclusive and representative government.