City Manager Karie Friling Releases 100 Day Report – From Listening to Action

I am pleased to share with you my 100-Day City Manager Report.

When I first expressed my interest in serving as Sarasota’s City Manager, I shared my belief that Sarasota is an extraordinary community, one with tremendous assets, opportunities, and challenges. After my first 100 days, that belief has only grown stronger.

Over these first several months, I have focused on listening, learning, building relationships, and gaining a deeper understanding of our organization and community. Through more than 350 meetings and conversations with employees, Commissioners, residents, neighborhood associations, business leaders, and community partners, I have gained valuable perspectives on both our strengths and the challenges ahead.

One of my most significant observations is the extraordinary responsibility our employees have carried over the past two years. In addition to operating without permanent executive leadership, our workforce responded to the devastating storms of 2024 and continues to manage a complex, multiyear recovery effort while maintaining the daily services our residents and businesses depend upon. Their commitment and resilience deserve our recognition, and the demands placed upon our organization must inform how we establish priorities and allocate resources moving forward.

The attached report reflects my observations, actions already taken, and recommendations for positioning Sarasota for long-term success. Among the major themes are organizational stability and employee development, financial stewardship, infrastructure and stormwater resilience, protection of parks and open space, public safety, economic development, community engagement, and strategic planning.

The report is not intended to suggest that every initiative can or should be undertaken immediately. Rather, it establishes a framework for prioritizing our efforts, aligning organizational capacity with Commission policy direction, and measuring our progress.

I recognize the responsibility the Commissioners have entrusted to me as your City Manager, and I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside each of you in serving this community. While we may not always agree on every issue, I believe we share a common commitment to Sarasota’s future. We have much to be proud of, much to protect, and important work ahead of us. I am optimistic about what we can accomplish through collaboration, disciplined priorities, and a shared commitment to results.

One City. One Team. One Community.

Thank you for your continued support and the opportunity to serve Sarasota.