Minot City Manager Harold Stewart is among five finalists being considered for the City Manager position in Lakewood, Washington. The City of Lakewood, located 45 minutes south of Seattle, recently concluded a national search to replace its retiring city manager and will host a public reception for finalists on June 10, followed by interviews on June 11.
Since taking the helm in late 2020, Stewart has guided Minot through a period of significant transformation following the removal of then city manager Tom Berry. His leadership has been central to major initiatives including the downtown relocation of City Hall, advancement of key flood control phases, and is currently leading the effort to hire a new police chief. Stewart’s tenure has emphasized long-term planning, organizational reform, and transparent community engagement, making his possible departure at this stage particularly notable.
In an email obtained by The Dakotan, Stewart informed members of the Minot City Council and department heads on May 16 that he had been selected as a finalist for the Lakewood position and wanted Council Members to hear it from him directly before it became public. He described the decision as part of a broader period of self-reflection, writing, “I want to make sure I am the right person to continue to serve as the city manager of Minot now and in the future, of which I haven’t come to a clear answer yet.”
Stewart emphasized that his application should not be interpreted as a lack of commitment, adding that “The likelihood of me coming to the realization Minot is where I want and need to be is still a very strong possibility.” He pledged to continue giving Minot his best while the process unfolds.
His potential departure comes at a pivotal moment, as the city enters budget season, prepares to name a new chief of police, and continues work on several large-scale projects. While he remains in his position for now, the situation leaves the Minot City Council facing the possibility of another leadership transition, depending on the outcome of the selection process and Stewart’s final decision.
