City Council Meeting Date: November 4, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Resolution Approving City Administrator Nomination of Scott Wopata as Community Development Director.
Body
Action Requested:
The City Council is requested to consider a resolution to confirm the City Administrator nomination of Scott Wopata as Community Development Director.
Summary Report:
City Administrator Martig enthusiastically is bringing forward the appointment of Scott Wopata to the City Council for consideration of approval.
Scott Wopata brings a proven record of leadership, strategic growth, and results-driven collaboration that aligns closely with the City of Northfield’s strategic priorities-especially in the area of housing and community development. As Executive Director of the Community Action Center, Scott helped transform the organization from serving 3,000 to over 18,000 people annually, expanding its budget sixfold and building financial stability through strong fiscal management and diversified funding. His leadership on the Hillcrest housing development in Northfield demonstrates his ability to bring partners together around complex, community-based housing projects-delivering tangible results that expand affordable housing options and directly support the City’s strategic housing objectives to increase housing availability. Additionally, in partnership with other internal staff, the Economic Development Authority, community partners and others he is committed to advancing the goal of expanded economic vitality in Northfield particularly to increase the commercial and industrial tax base.
In addition to his housing expertise, Scott’s tenure leading both the Community Action Center and the Northfield Union of Youth shows a consistent ability to strengthen organizations, implement strong governance, and guide long-term strategic plans. His collaborative approach and experience working across sectors will enhance the City’s efforts to achieve its community development and housing goals. The combination of Scott’s strategic vision, financial acumen, and proven partnership-building is expected to generate continued success as Northfield advances its strategic initiatives. The City’s community development team, strengthened by his appointment, brings together deep local experience and motivation to deliver exceptional results in service to the community.
Attached is Mr. Wopata’s cover letter and resume that further illustrates the breath of applicable experience, interest, skills, abilities and education that demonstrate his ability to perform this position at a high level.
If the appointment is approved by the City Council, Mr.Wopata would begin employment at the end of December. There is a commitment to begin some preliminary onboarding in preparation of the official start date.
Process Background
The City of Northfield accepted applications after receiving notice of Community Development Director Jake Reilly’s intent to resign on September 12, 2025.
Nineteen applicants applied for the position.
Eight applicants participated in hybrid interviews.
One finalist, Scott Wopata, was interviewed at City Hall by three interview panels representing the community, administration and elected officials, city management staff and members of the community development department on October 22.
A community meet and greet was held in the second floor training room at City Hall on October 22, 2025 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Comment cards were completed by community members in attendance.
There was overwhelming support for Mr. Wopata from all areas of the interview process.
City Administrator Martig made a conditional offer of employment following review and consideration of all background materials, background and experience, and input received through the comprehensive process. Wopata has successfully completed an employment background check, and reference checks as part of the rigorous backgrounding.
City Administrator Martig has nominated Scott Wopata as Community Development Director to the City Council. The City Council will consider confirmation of this nomination at the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 4th.
Alternative Options:
Decline the nomination (required majority approval by the City Council). This would initiate a review by City Administrator Martig on another nomination.
Financial Impacts:
The City Administrator places the position. The funding is within the approved 2026 base pay schedule, follows personnel policy requirements.
Tentative Timelines:
A tentative start date of December 22, 2025 (first pay date in the 2026 base pay structure) has been discussed upon City Council approval.