Following a nationwide search, Monterey is set to appoint a new city manager.

Following the retirement of longtime Monterey City Manager Hans Uslar at the end of 2025, and the short reign of Interim City Manager Lew Bauman, the Monterey City Council is scheduled to consider a contract for Dante Hall as its new city manager.

"The council is very encouraged by Dante Hall as a candidate for Monterey's next city manager," said Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson. "He brings extensive city management experience, a collaborative leadership style and a clear respect for our community and history. We are particularly impressed by his readiness to engage with our budget challenges and advance economic development with transparency and fiscal responsibility. If selected, he would come in ready to listen, build relationships and support Monterey with integrity and humility."

Hall spent the last few years serving as the city manager of Hercules in the East Bay and the assistant city manager of Foster City prior to that. According to his employment agreement with the City of Monterey, Hall will receive a base salary of $320,000 with 3 percent cost of living increases slated for 2027 and 2028, alongside a $15,000 relocation stipend and benefits for a total compensation package of approximately $401,000 in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Hall is scheduled to be officially appointed to the post by the Monterey City Council at the governing body’s meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3. 

According to the meeting’s agenda report, Hall has more than 17 years of experience working for full-service cities in roles ranging from city manager to acting parks and recreation director, redevelopment and housing administrator and assistant director of community development, among others, and was chosen from a "rigorous nationwide recruitment process.” 

“Throughout Mr. Hall’s career in municipal government, he has led diverse teams, managed complex budgets, and built strong partnerships across departments, agencies, and community organizations,” the report states. “Mr. Hall has advanced infrastructure projects, enhanced public safety, and promoted economic development while maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility.”

Hall has a Master of Public Administration degree from Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at City University of New York and a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Azusa Pacific University. He is an International City Management Association credentialed manager and holds a public policy program certificate from Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy, in addition to a Davenport Institute for Public Engagement Certificate from Pepperdine School of Public Policy.