James Lindsay and the “Range Riders”

Lodi

May 6

In Steve Mann’s recent column in lodinews.com, he writes:

…Parks, Rec. and Cultural Services Director Christina Jaromay has been acting city manager pending appointment of a retired CM from another city to temporarily take the reins. That person will probably be James Lindsay, who retired as city manager from the city of Saratoga. Known as “range riders,” Lindsay will be the first retired CM brought in to temporarily fill the position…

What’s James Lindsay’s Background?

James Lindsay was the City Manager of Saratoga, California, until recently. He has held this position since July 24, 2014, after previously serving as the city’s Community Development Director beginning in October 2011.

Lindsay’s tenure as City Manager ended in 2024. Matt Morley was appointed as his successor and officially assumed the duties of City Manager on August 5, 2024.

Achievements

Leadership in Community Development: Lindsay served as Community Development Director before becoming City Manager, playing a pivotal role in guiding the city’s planning and development initiatives..
Civic Engagement and Volunteer Coordination: He led major community events such as the Saratoga Rotary Art Show, which is a significant fundraiser for the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation[6]. His leadership in local service organizations, including the Rotary Club, demonstrates a strong commitment to civic engagement and volunteerism.
Support for Local Events and Traditions: Lindsay actively participated in organizing and supporting community celebrations, such as the city’s Independence Day event and holiday festivities, helping to foster community spirit and cohesion.
Recognition as a Trusted Leader: Lindsay is recognized by peers and community members for his steady leadership and collaborative approach, as reflected in public acknowledgments and his selection for key leadership roles within city government.

Projects

James Lindsay, during his tenure as City Manager of Saratoga, has been involved in a variety of significant projects and initiatives that have impacted the city's infrastructure, community life, and services. Key projects and leadership roles include:

1. Saratoga Rotary Art Show

Lindsay led over 100 volunteers to organize the 60th annual Saratoga Rotary Art Show, the primary fundraiser for the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation, demonstrating strong community leadership and event management.

2. Age-Friendly City Initiatives

He played a central role in the City’s Age-Friendly Action Plan, which included:

Funding projects to improve accessibility and approachability of city facilities for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Launching the R.Y.D.E. (Reach Your Destination Easily) pilot program, offering affordable curb-to-curb transportation and trip planning for adults age 55 and older, in partnership with local agencies.
Supporting public art initiatives, such as the Paint the City Utility Box Painting Project and the #SaratogaROCKS community art program.
Overseeing improvements to Prospect Road, including new medians, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and landscaping, a $7 million project largely funded by grants.

3. Public Safety and Neighborhood Engagement

Lindsay supported the expansion of Neighborhood Watch programs, growing to 68 groups, and helped organize the Saratoga Safety Fair to promote public safety awareness.

4. Infrastructure and Accessibility

He managed maintenance and infrastructure needs in key areas, such as the Village Parking districts, ensuring ongoing improvements and upkeep.
Oversaw projects to assess and remodel city facilities for better accessibility, including traffic signals and the Senior Center entrance.

5. Youth and Community Engagement

Initiated the Youth in Government Internship Program, providing high school students with hands-on experience in local government.
Allocated funding for translation services to make city communications more accessible to Saratoga’s diverse population..

Who are the Range Riders?

Range Riders - now more commonly known as Senior Advisors - are retired city and county managers with extensive experience in local government management. The term "Range Rider" was used for decades before being officially changed to "Senior Advisor" by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) in 2014 to better reflect the advisory nature of the role.

Purpose and Role

Senior Advisors (formerly Range Riders) are volunteers who provide confidential, professional, and personal support to current city and county managers, assistant managers, and other members of ICMA and state associations.
They are not consultants but act as mentors, colleagues, and trusted advisors, offering guidance on issues such as:

Career development
Ethical dilemmas
Management challenges
Relationships with elected officials
Responses to local controversies
Navigating transitions in employment

Their support is strictly confidential and not intended for technical problem-solving or direct intervention in local government operations.

How the Program Works

Senior Advisors are selected jointly by the ICMA Executive Director and the relevant state association..
They are unpaid volunteers; only their expenses are reimbursed, with costs shared between ICMA and the sponsoring state organization.
Advisors are expected to be visible and accessible, often traveling to meet with managers in their assigned regions, sometimes covering thousands of miles and making hundreds of contacts each year.
In some states, such as Oregon, Senior Advisors proactively visit city halls and maintain ongoing relationships with managers, reporting on trends and providing a consistent presence.

Historical Context and Name Change

The original "Range Rider" name evoked the image of a seasoned, independent professional "riding the range" to support colleagues-much like a cowboy or a "wizard on a stallion" who arrives to help in challenging times.
The modern "Senior Advisor" title reflects a shift toward a more collaborative, mentoring, and relationship-focused approach, likened to the wisdom of Yoda rather than the lone heroism of Gandalf.

Distinction from Other Roles

Range Riders/Senior Advisors are not "circuit riders," who are paid professionals serving multiple communities in a technical or managerial capacity..
Senior Advisors do not provide technical assistance or solve substantive operational issues as part of the program, though they may consult independently if it does not conflict with their advisory role.

In short: City manager "Range Riders" (now Senior Advisors) are respected, retired local government managers who volunteer their time to provide confidential guidance, mentorship, and professional support to their peers, helping to strengthen the profession and foster ethical, effective local government leadership