Hopewell to introduce residents to city manager candidates amid ongoing controversy
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HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- In mid-2025, Hopewell fired its city manager and city clerk without cause, resulting in a $6.8 million racial discrimination lawsuit. Nearly 10 months later -- and as the court battle continues -- the city announced that the public will be able to meet candidates for the role in early March.
From 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, city officials will host a public town hall at the Hopewell Community Center -- located at 100 W. City Point Rd. -- to introduce residents to the finalists for Hopewell's next city manager.
This position within Hopewell's city government sits at the center of significant controversy. In May 2025, during a contentious meeting of the Hopewell City Council, both previous city manager Concetta Manker and city clerk Brittani Williams were terminated without cause.
The votes to terminate Manker and Williams were along racial lines, with all of the city’s Black councilors voting “no” and all of the city’s white councilors voting “yes.” There have been accusations from the general public, the Black councilors and Manker herself that these firings were racially motivated.
Manker has since sued the city for more than $6.8 million, providing what she describes as evidence of this racism, as well as violations of city council’s own rules of order. At all points, the city’s white councilors have firmly denied these allegations. Most recently, the involved councilors filed a motion asking for qualified immunity.
Anyone who would like to attend Thursday's town hall must preregister in advance. Additionally, citizens interested in asking candidates questions must submit those questions ahead of time.
No questions will be taken from the audience during the town hall "to keep the event on schedule and address a wide range of topics," per a Feb. 25 press release from the city. However, after the program, citizens will be able to meet and mingle with the candidates.
You can both preregister and submit any questions here. The deadline to do so is 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4.
"We encourage you to take part in the town hall, which represents an important step in selecting Hopewell's next city manager," the city said in the release.
While Hopewell is still working to fill its city manager role, the city clerk role has already been filled as of October 2025 by Bishelya Howard.
For all of 8News’ coverage on these controversial firings, click here.
