
First Black Woman to Serve as Dallas City Manager: Kimberly Bizor Tolbert
In a historic move, the Dallas City Council has appointed Kimberly Bizor Tolbert as the city’s new city manager, marking the first time a Black woman will lead Dallas’ municipal operations. The council voted 13-2 on Wednesday, concluding a nearly year-long search for a permanent city manager and solidifying Tolbert’s role at the helm of the city’s government.
Tolbert’s appointment is a momentous milestone for Dallas, a city with a complex history of racial and political dynamics. Her selection comes after months of deliberation following the resignation of former City Manager T.C. Broadnax in May 2023. Tolbert had been serving as interim city manager since then, and her performance during this period played a significant role in securing her permanent appointment.
The city manager position is one of the most powerful in Dallas, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city, managing a multibillion-dollar budget, and directing thousands of municipal employees. In this role, Tolbert will also be responsible for implementing policies set by the city council and ensuring the efficient functioning of essential city services.
Kimberly Bizor Tolbert’s deep-rooted connection to Dallas and her extensive experience in public service made her a standout candidate. A native of the city, she started her career as an intern with the City of Dallas 32 years ago and gradually rose through the ranks, holding various leadership positions in finance and administration.
Her career trajectory includes serving as deputy city manager and chief of staff to the city manager. Over the years, she has been instrumental in driving key initiatives related to transportation, budgeting, and government efficiency. Her expertise in municipal finance and governance, coupled with a strong commitment to community engagement, has earned her widespread respect among city officials and residents alike.
Tolbert worked closely with former City Manager T.C. Broadnax, serving as his chief of staff and later as deputy city manager. Under Broadnax’s leadership, she played a key role in executing major policy initiatives and ensuring the efficiency of city operations. Their professional relationship spanned several years, during which Tolbert was deeply involved in high-level decision-making and strategic planning.

Broadnax’s departure in May 2023 created a leadership gap, but Tolbert’s familiarity with the city’s operations and her experience working alongside him positioned her as a natural successor. While Broadnax faced criticism from some city officials over management and transparency issues, Tolbert’s leadership during her interim tenure demonstrated her ability to navigate challenges and drive meaningful change.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson voiced his strong support for Tolbert, praising her leadership and accomplishments during her interim tenure.
“As interim city manager for the past 10 months, Tolbert has streamlined city operations, improved government efficiency, reduced taxpayer waste, and delivered a budget with the largest single-year property tax rate reduction in Dallas history,” Johnson said.
Her ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver tangible results ultimately won over the majority of the city council, leading to her appointment.
However, the decision was not without opposition. Council Member Cara Mendelsohn voted against Tolbert’s appointment, arguing that the city needed a fresh perspective to tackle longstanding issues. Additionally, Council Member Paul Ridley opposed the decision due to concerns over a provision in Tolbert’s contract that grants her a $900,000 severance package if she is terminated by the council. Despite these objections, the overwhelming support from other council members secured her position.
As Tolbert officially steps into her new role, she faces several pressing priorities. One of her immediate tasks will be overseeing the hiring of new police and fire chiefs, a crucial responsibility as Dallas continues to address public safety concerns.
Additionally, she will play a key role in implementing voter-approved ballot measures that impact public safety spending, infrastructure projects, and economic development initiatives. Navigating these changes while maintaining fiscal responsibility and improving city services will be central to her leadership.
Beyond these challenges, Tolbert’s appointment symbolizes progress and representation for Dallas’ diverse population. As the first Black woman to serve as city manager, her leadership sets a precedent for future generations and reflects the city’s evolving commitment to inclusivity and equitable governance.
For Tolbert, this appointment is not just a professional achievement—it is deeply personal. Reflecting on her journey, she described the moment as coming full circle.
“This is a full-circle moment for me because I started my career with the City of Dallas as an intern 32 years ago. And at my core, I’m a champion for this city,” Tolbert stated.
Her story serves as an inspiration for many aspiring public servants, demonstrating that dedication, perseverance, and a passion for community service can lead to transformative leadership opportunities.
As Dallas embarks on this new chapter under Tolbert’s leadership, the city stands at a critical juncture. With her extensive experience, commitment to efficiency, and deep understanding of Dallas’ unique challenges and opportunities, Tolbert is well-positioned to steer the city toward a more prosperous and inclusive future.
Her appointment represents a historic step forward, not only for Dallas but for municipalities across the nation, showcasing the importance of diverse leadership in shaping cities that work for all residents.
This post originally appeared on Dallas Weekly.
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