During a City Council meeting in late October, Community Services Director Travis Menne updated council members on the next phase of selecting a new manager for the Civic Auditorium. The city has assembled a six‑person panel of local experts to evaluate, rank and interview the five entities that applied to run the downtown riverfront venue.

Why the panel’s names remain confidential

In an email to a reporter after the meeting, Menne explained that the city will not release the panelists’ identities. He said keeping the roster private helps maintain objectivity and credibility, preventing “outside lobbying or external pressures” that could influence candid discussion.

“The participants both understand this world and recognize the importance of continued operations of the Civic Auditorium,” Menne wrote, adding that the members represent expertise in tourism, hospitality, finance, marketing and event planning.

Process and timeline

The panel will score each applicant after a standardized interview that includes both common and applicant‑specific questions. Staff will use those scores to craft a recommendation for the council, which will make the final decision at a public meeting likely to be held next month.

Mayor Mike Littau will observe the panel’s work and share his observations with council members when the recommendation is presented. Littau told a reporter that he cannot disclose the panel’s composition, likening the practice to the confidential hiring process for a city manager.

“I’m impressed with the panel and think it’s composed of diverse community members that have expertise in marketing, economics and the riverfront,” Littau said. “They will approach the process with a skeptical eye to ensure a good fit is selected that can actually deliver on a good job and stick it out for the long haul.”

Background on the Civic Auditorium

The Civic Auditorium has faced financial shortfalls and a management transfer back to the city in recent years. After the nonprofit Advance Redding, which operated the venue for more than 14 years, lost critical city funding in May, management reverted to municipal control.

In response, the council issued a request for proposals this summer, attracting five interested entities. The upcoming panel review is the next step in returning the auditorium to stable, community‑focused operation.

Next steps for the council and community

The council plans to reconvene on the Civic Auditorium issue by Dec. 15, at which time staff will present the panel’s recommendations. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through council updates, though the city has indicated that public input will be considered through the formal recommendation process rather than direct involvement with the panel.

By keeping the panel’s composition confidential, Redding officials aim to protect the integrity of the selection process while assuring the public that qualified, local experts are guiding the future of a key downtown asset.

Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.