Lodi City Council is set to appoint Kara Reddig as the city’s next city manager, making her the first woman to serve in the role.
Reddig, who most recently served as deputy city manager for Elk Grove, was selected after a search process and would take over Lodi’s top administrative position after a year of leadership changes at City Hall.
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected as Lodi’s next city manager,” Reddig said in a statement released by the city. “I look forward to working alongside the community, City Council, and staff to continue to grow thoughtfully and enhance the quality of life for Lodi’s community members, business owners, and exceptional community organizations.”
The council is scheduled to vote on Reddig’s appointment at its regular meeting May 6. Aaron Busch will remain interim city manager until Reddig’s start date is established, according to the city.
Reddig has more than two decades of experience in California municipal government. In Elk Grove, she oversaw public affairs and communications, community engagement, human resources, risk management and operations at District56, the city’s civic center and community gathering space.
Her appointment would come during a period of transition for Lodi.
Former City Manager Scott Carney was placed on paid administrative leave in April 2025 after publicly alleging that senior city staff had tampered with official reports and misused public funds. Carney later alleged retaliation through his attorney, who described him as a whistleblower in legal correspondence sent to the city.
The city later hired retired Saratoga City Manager James Lindsay as acting city manager while a personnel investigation continued. Lindsay is expected to conclude his service with the city Feb. 27 after guiding staff through a period of transition, according to the city.
On Feb. 19, the Lodi City Council appointed Busch as interim city manager. Busch brought 37 years of government experience, including five years as city manager for Vacaville, according to a city press release. He will remain in the role until Reddig’s start date is established.
In October, the Lodi City Council moved to remove Carney after closed-session discussions and audit-related findings. A city audit found no fraud or regulatory noncompliance for fiscal year 2023-24, while a separate review identified minor spending issues related to city-issued purchasing cards.
Mayor Ramón Yepez said Reddig joins the city at an important moment.
“I am proud to welcome Mrs. Reddig as Lodi’s new city manager,” Yepez said in the release. “Our city is in a period of evolution, and she will be instrumental in advancing our shared goals.”
Yepez said recent leadership changes have positioned Lodi for progress.
“With recent leadership changes, Lodi is well-positioned for progress, and Mrs. Reddig joins us at the right moment,” Yepez said. “I look forward to the energy and direction she will bring as we continue moving forward.”
Reddig’s work in Elk Grove included helping implement Measure E, a voter-approved 1% sales tax passed in 2022 that generates $34 million in ongoing revenue for city services, according to the city.
She also helped secure more than $18 million in state and federal funding for capital improvements, public safety, library services and homelessness initiatives.
Reddig holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. In 2025, she received the Career Excellence Award from California Women Leading Government. She is also a member of the International City/County Management Association and the Municipal Management Association of Northern California.