Organization: City of Toppenish

Position Title: City Manager

Address: 21 West 1st Avenue, Toppenish, WA 98948

First Review: September 20, 2026

Salary Range: $145,000 - $185,000

The City of Toppenish is seeking a City Manager for this community of approximately 8,945 residents in the fertile Yakima Valley, about 20 miles southeast of Yakima. Toppenish is known for its 75 hand-painted, historically accurate murals and unique museums that celebrate hop farming, railway history, and Yakama culture. Located within the Yakama Nation Reservation and surrounded by orchards, vineyards, and farmland, the city serves as an important commercial and service center for the Lower Yakima Valley.

THE CITY OF TOPPENISH

The City of Toppenish serves a population of approximately 8,945 across 2.1 square miles in Yakima County with a team of 45 FTEs and a 2026 budget of $27.7 million. Incorporated in 1907, the City operates under a Council–Manager form of government with a seven-member City Council elected to four-year terms. The Mayor is appointed by the Council to serve a two-year term. The Council appoints a City Manager who serves as the City’s chief executive officer and oversees daily municipal operations.

Municipal services include administration, finance, police, community and economic development, code enforcement, information technology, communications, community television, parks and recreation, and public works. The City operates its water and wastewater systems and provides residential solid-waste collection, while commercial and large-container collection is provided by Yakima Waste Systems. Fire protection and emergency response services are provided through a recently adopted interlocal agreement with Yakima County Fire District No. 5. The City also contracts with the City of Sunnyside for municipal court services.

WHY APPLY

This is a unique opportunity to lead a full-service municipal organization that, through disciplined financial stewardship and a willingness to make challenging decisions, has established a solid foundation and is poised for its next chapter. With strategic planning underway, a collaborative City Council, and an organizational culture that values creativity, innovation, and practical problem-solving, the next City Manager will have the opportunity to help shape the City's future while leading a dedicated, cross-trained workforce.

Toppenish offers the breadth of responsibility sought by municipal leaders, with opportunities to strengthen municipal services, support economic development and tourism, and build on recent successes in public safety and financial stability. Beyond City Hall, Toppenish provides an outstanding quality of life, blending small-town accessibility, rich history and culture, engaged residents, excellent schools, a supportive business community, and convenient access to the diverse recreation and amenities of Central Washington. If you are excited by the opportunity to work for an organization that is no longer simply overcoming yesterday’s challenges—but is truly positioning itself to seize tomorrow’s opportunities—this might be the right position for you.

More Information: GMP Consultants is assisting the City of Toppenish with this search. Learn more at gmphr.com. The City of Toppenish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. First Review is September 20, 2026.