BY KIM VAN METER
After more than a decade at the helm of Oakdale’s government, City Manager Bryan Whitemyer is preparing to leave the city he helped shape into a thriving, fiscally sound place for people to put down roots. His next stop? Folsom, where he’ll take on the same role in a much larger, fast-growing community.
Whitemyer’s last day in Oakdale is set for March 6, marking the end of an era defined by financial stability, infrastructure improvements, and community-driven leadership.
From overseeing major projects like the reconstruction of North Third Avenue to navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitemyer leaves behind a city that is stronger, more resilient, and ready for its next chapter.
“Serving as City Manager for Oakdale has been an incredible honor,” Whitemyer said. “I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I am confident that the city is well-positioned for continued success. While I will deeply miss the Oakdale community, I am excited for the opportunity to serve the City of Folsom in the next chapter of my career.”
A Decade of Leadership and Accomplishments
During his tenure, Whitemyer played a crucial role in ensuring Oakdale’s financial stability, which in turn allowed the city to fund significant infrastructure and public safety projects.
“I am most proud that by working together with Council members, city staff, business owners, and residents, we were able to make prudent financial decisions that have enabled our community to weather financial difficulties and become more financially stable,” he said.
Among his accomplishments, Whitemyer highlighted refurbishing playgrounds, remodeling the City Hall/Police Department building, reconstructing roads, and securing essential equipment for police and fire personnel. His leadership style, he said, has always focused on collaboration.
“I strive to be a collaborative servant leader who listens to and learns from the community,” he said. “I try to be accessible and meet with anyone who wants to get together. This allows me to get a feel and understanding for what is important to the community and the City Council.”
His approach has been widely recognized by city officials.
“Bryan has been an exceptional leader and an advocate for the city’s growth and well-being,” Oakdale Mayor Cherilyn Bairos said. “His impact on Oakdale is immeasurable, and we are grateful for his years of dedicated service. We wish him every success in his new role.”
Challenges and Community Resilience
Whitemyer’s time in Oakdale was not without challenges. He described the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the most difficult periods of his career.
“On top of the pandemic situation, we had to deal with protests and community concerns that related to the national political scene at the time,” he said. “We did our best to reach out to businesses, communicate with the public, and to be as empathetic as possible.”
Despite these hardships, Whitemyer credited the community for its strength.
“This community stuck together, supported each other, and we were able to navigate this difficult time in a pretty positive way,” he said.
Fond Farewell to Oakdale
Whitemyer expressed deep appreciation for the Oakdale community and its spirit.
“Oakdale is a friendly, comfortable, and safe community, and there is nothing like going to those Friday night football games and seeing the community come together,” he said. “Also, Oakdale has to be one of the most charitable communities around. I am always amazed at how much money the community raises for our service clubs and non-profit groups.”
Reflecting on his time in Oakdale, he shared a memorable anecdote about the relocation of a 125-year-old church building. When the city was unable to fund the necessary repairs, he listed the building for sale online for $1, under the condition that the buyer move and restore it. The response came quickly, and today, the historic building stands in excellent condition at its new location.
“I didn’t believe this before, but I have come to learn that you can sell just about anything online,” he said with a laugh.
Looking Ahead to Folsom
As he transitions to his new role, Whitemyer will take the lessons learned in Oakdale with him to Folsom, a city experiencing rapid residential growth and financial challenges.
“My hope is to develop expenditure plans that will stabilize the financial situation of the city but also create more economic development opportunities for new businesses,” he said.
When asked about advice for his successor in Oakdale, Whitemyer emphasized the importance of community engagement.
“I have learned that holding public input meetings is extremely beneficial to learning about how the community feels about a topic and what they feel is the direction the city should go,” he said. “Giving the community the opportunity to comment and offer feedback has enabled City staff to garner community support for a variety of projects.”
As he prepares for the next chapter, Whitemyer leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication.
“I hope the community remembers me as someone who cared, who always tried his best to make things better, to resolve problems, and who loved serving others,” he said. “If people felt that way, they would be paying me the ultimate compliment.”
What’s Next for the City?
The Oakdale City Council has begun the process of recruiting a new City Manager and is expected to announce details regarding interim leadership soon.
For now, Oakdale residents will bid farewell to a leader who has shaped the city over the past decade, knowing that his contributions will be felt long after his departure.
