Long Beach might be one step closer to picking a new city manager.

The City Council will hold a closed session meeting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, to discuss appointing a new city manager.

Long Beach launched its nationwide search for the position last year after longtime former city manager Pat West retired in September. Assistant City Manger Tom Modica, who was appointed in 2014, has been serving as acting city manager.

The city council, which has the ultimate say, hired The Hawkins Company to conduct a national executive search, though applications were open to internal and external candidates.  

The city in October held a series of meetings to hear from the public on what they think should be a priority for the city manager, who serves as the chief executive of the city.

“Selecting a city manager is an incredibly important decision and we want to ensure that our community has a voice in the process,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement at the time.

The public will have the chance to weigh in once the city council has reached a decision, which would be announced in open session.