Presentation of Performance Evaluation Process for Appointed Officials

City of Chandler — Work Session (2026-01-22)

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Appointed 
Performance Review 
Process
Human Resources

Appointed Positions
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
City Magistrate

Individual meetings with City Council in executive session 
No standardized evaluation form 
Meetings may be different for each appointed staff member
Inconsistent approach across positions  
Chandler’s Current Process

Comparator Cities
Avondale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Queen Creek 
• No formal evaluation form
• Council meets with employee in executive session
Gilbert 
• 360-Degree evaluation by direct reports 
• Council review in executive session
Goodyear, Tempe, Peoria
• Formal evaluation form

Key Principles for Effective Evaluations
• Six-month evaluations at onset, annually 
thereafter
• Self-Assessment by appointee 
(accomplishments, challenges & needs)
• Performance Goals & Objectives 
• Leadership & Management  
• Opportunity for Communication

Option 1: Universal Evaluation
•
Single Evaluation Form Used for All Appointed Employees
•
Narrative Format 
•
3-6 Evaluation Categories 
•
Standardized Process Across All Positions
•
Goal Setting for Future

Option 1: Universal Evaluation 
Considerations
Advantages
• Consistency
• Easy to Administer
• Comparable Results 
Challenges
• May Not Capture Role-
specific Responsibilities
• Generic criteria may miss 
unique contributions

Option 2: Role-Specific Evaluation
• Tailored Evaluation for Each Unique Role and Responsibilities
• Position-Specific Performance Categories
• Criteria Relevant to Each Role
• Open ended narrative format

Option 2: Role-Specific Evaluation               
Category Examples
City Manager
City Attorney
Policy Execution
Fiscal Management
Strategic Planning
Organizational 
Leadership
Community Relations
Legal Advice Accuracy
Ordinance Drafting
Litigation 
Management
Risk Management 
City Clerk
City Magistrate
Meeting Minutes
Election Management
Records Management
Courtroom 
Management
Customer Focus 
Judicial Consistency
Legal Compliance

Option 2: Role-Specific Evaluation 
Considerations
Advantages
• Captures Role 
Responsibilities 
• Relevant Performance 
Criteria
• Meaningful Feedback
Challenges
• Increased time to Develop 
• Less Comparability across 
Positions
• Multiple Forms to Manager

Process Support and Options
Process Support from HR
• Work with Council to establish evaluation criteria 
• Create online evaluation forms
• Compile Councilmembers’ individual evaluations
• Summary of common themes without attribution 
• Individual & Final combined evaluations will become public record

Key Decisions and Next Steps
Selection of Evaluation Format 
Establish Evaluation Criteria/Categories
Determine Timeline
Development of evaluation forms
Establish evaluation timeline & process
Present final recommendations for Council approval

Questions?
Thank you!