In response to recent media scrutiny, the City of Stockton has issued the following joint statement to clarify the facts surrounding its short-term consulting contract with Lathrop City Manager Stephen Salvatore. The press release outlines the contract’s cost, purpose, and outcomes — emphasizing transparency, strategic leadership, and regional cooperation during a critical transition period for Interim City Manager Steve Colangelo.
City of Stockton Clarifies Facts Regarding Consulting Contract with Lathrop City Manager
Contract Concluded Successfully After Transition Support
The City of Stockton is issuing the following statement to clarify facts regarding the consulting arrangement between Interim City Manager Steve Colangelo and Lathrop City Manager Stephen Salvatore, which has concluded after successful completion of transition support services. Recent media coverage has contained inaccuracies regarding the cost, authority, and purpose of the consulting arrangement. The City is providing the following facts and statements from both parties to ensure accurate public information.
Contract Details:
- Duration: 8 weeks (February-April 2025)
- Total cost: $22,000 over two months
- Salvatore has not invoiced the City since April 2025
- Contract was executed under standard city manager procurement authority
The consulting arrangement was designed to provide strategic guidance during Colangelo's transition into the interim city manager role. After demonstrating competency in city operations, the formal consulting relationship was concluded with Salvatore voluntarily waiving a portion of his compensation.
Statement from Stephen Salvatore, City Manager, City of Lathrop:
"After thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to conclude my professional services contract with the City of Stockton. When I was first asked to support Interim City Manager Steve Colangelo during his transition into the role, I was proud to offer strategic guidance and help establish a strong foundation for his leadership.
As the City has begun to stabilize and internal resources have taken shape, the volume and scope of work no longer align with the structure of a monthly retainer. In light of that, I have voluntarily waived a substantial portion of my compensation and have concluded the formal agreement in good faith. That said, I remain available to provide support on an as-needed basis through a standard hourly arrangement, should the City identify future needs where my experience can be of value.
Throughout my public service career, I've held a consistent belief: what strengthens one city in San Joaquin County strengthens us all. That belief guided my willingness to lend support when asked. While some media narratives have not reflected the full picture, I am proud of the contributions I was able to make and wish Mr. Colangelo, the City Council, and the entire Stockton community continued success as they move forward in building a strong future."
Statement from Steve Colangelo, Interim City Manager, City of Stockton:
"Since accepting the position as Stockton's Interim City Manager, we have launched a forensic audit for complete financial transparency, established our first dedicated grants department, engaged federal agencies on major funding opportunities, and prepared the city's first truly balanced budget in years. These results didn't happen by accident; they happened because I made the strategic decision to bring in proven expertise when Stockton families deserved better than trial-and-error leadership.
I hired Stephen Salvatore because he has achieved exactly what Stockton needs to achieve, and he's done it right here in San Joaquin County.
As Lathrop's City Manager for nearly two decades, Mr. Salvatore delivered remarkable results. Under his leadership, Lathrop became California's fastest-growing city and ranks as the fifth fastest-growing city in the entire United States. More importantly for Stockton families, he transformed Lathrop from a struggling community into one of California's most fiscally healthy cities while managing explosive growth responsibly.
Mr. Salvatore brings something that no other consultant could offer, intimate knowledge of how to work effectively within San Joaquin County's government structure, state regulatory environment, and regional economic ecosystem. This operational intelligence would take years for an outsider to develop. When we're working to secure federal funding or navigate City of Stockton complex regulatory processes, that depth of local knowledge delivers immediate results for taxpayers when time is critical.
The Financial Value for Stockton Taxpayers
Let me set the record straight on costs: I spent $22,000 over two months for expertise that typically costs $15,000-$25,000+ monthly. Mr. Salvatore only invoiced for work performed and hasn't charged a single dollar since April, demonstrating that we have used consulting services strategically and efficiently, not wastefully.
Addressing the Misinformation
Critics have raised three main concerns but miss the bigger picture. They question my legal authority; I acted within city manager procurement authority that has been standard and lawful practice in Stockton for decades. They claim I lack experience; I proactively sought expert guidance while maintaining complete decision-making authority and accountability. They worry about costs, we secured highly actionable expertise at rates 30-50% below typical consulting fees and only paid for results delivered.
While critics focus on fabricating non-existent conspiracies, I focus on solving problems and creating opportunities for Stockton residents.
My Commitment to Results
I accepted this position to deliver results for families who deserve effective municipal leadership focused on their priorities: safe neighborhoods, economic opportunities, responsible spending, and quality of life improvements. Effective municipal leadership works by leveraging expertise, building capabilities, and focusing on results. Stockton has tremendous potential and a community that is ready for growth. We must utilize every available tool and expertise to seize these opportunities, even when it means learning from our neighbor's success.
That's exactly what I've done, and it's exactly what Stockton families deserve."
Moving Forward
Salvatore remains available for future consultation on an as-needed, hourly basis should specific expertise be required.