Goldsboro City Council Selects Matthew Livingston as City Manager

The Goldsboro City Council has selected Matthew Livingston as the new city manager. Livingston, who has served as interim city manager since February 2024, originally joined the City of Goldsboro in June 2022 as assistant city manager.

After careful consideration and a unanimous vote, the City Council offered Livingston a three-year contract, which includes an annual salary of $202,490.

The Council hired consulting group Developmental Associates to conduct the search for candidates. Developmental Associates is led by president and co-founder Steve Straus who has over 20 years’ experience conducting executive searches.

“I was impressed with how thoughtfully the Council took on this process. They clearly wanted to make the best decision for the citizens and the City,” Straus said. “Mr. Livingston had a lot on this plate managing the City and the budget while going through an intensive process. He performed admirably!”

Mayor Charles Gaylor said he looks forward to continuing to work with Livingston.

“He has been a fantastic colleague thus far, and I have nothing but the highest expectations for him looking forward,” Gaylor said. “The City of Goldsboro is in a very important stage of its history where we are simultaneously reimagining our parks and recreation system, updating our comprehensive land use plan and embarking on the creation of a business development plan. We have a leader who is ready to balance all these initiatives without losing sight of the needs of every person and every neighborhood that makes Goldsboro strong.”

Livingston has more than 27 years of experience in local government, having served as town manager in Rolesville, Wallace and Ayden, and as the executive director of the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the City of Goldsboro. It’s an exciting time to be in Goldsboro as we navigate our way to a greater tomorrow for everyone,” Livingston said. “I see a bright future ahead. There are many opportunities for growth and positive change and that will happen as we continue to work together as one team. We will succeed in what we set out to do with help from the community and all our stakeholders. I wish to thank the Mayor and City Council for their support, trust and faith in me and city staff over the last 14 months during my time as Interim City Manager.  It is time to put our best foot forward as we proclaim a new chapter for the city of Goldsboro and work towards a common future vision inclusive of all.”