PREPARED BY: MATTHEW BROWN DATE OF MEETING: 10/20/2025
SUBJECT:
TITLE
RECOGNITION BY THE SAN PABLO CITY COUNCIL OF JIMMIE ZHOU FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND RECEIPT OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION (APWA) NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER’S 2025 CHRYSALIS AWARD
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Present Certificate of Recognition and Distribute Award.
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2023-2025 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statements:
Item 209: Continue to be an “Employer of Choice” to attract and retain talent and continue to provide the community with exceptional service is a major policy goal contained in the FY 2025-27 City Council Priority Workplan, adopted April 7, 2025.
BACKGROUND
Jimmie Zhou exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, innovation, and dedication to public service. Over the course of his tenure with the City, Jimmie has consistently gone above and beyond to deliver complex capital improvement projects, support departmental needs across divisions, and serve the community with care and expertise. His leadership and technical capabilities were recently recognized through the receipt of the following significant honor:
• APWA Northern California’s Chrysalis Award
The Chrysalis Award recognizes individuals who are driven to be the best at what they do and who go above and beyond in their roles. In addition to their professional contributions, these individuals actively give back to their communities and the public works profession through involvement in professional or community-based groups and programs. The award acknowledges those who take on extra responsibilities and organizational leadership roles.
This award reflects not only the quality of Jimmie’s work but also his passion for service, ability to lead, and commitment to improving the lives of residents.
Background and Achievements:
Sutter Avenue Green Street Project
Jimmie served as Project Manager for the Sutter Avenue Green Street Project, a major Capital Improvement Project that significantly reduced flooding in a historically impacted area of the City. The project presented numerous challenges-tight physical constraints, high groundwater conditions, and significant coordination needs with external stakeholders and grant funders. Despite these hurdles, the project was successful in improving the safety and livability of the neighborhood.
When the project encountered a $1 million funding gap, Jimmie worked skillfully and persistently with granting agencies to secure additional resources bringing the project to completion-without cutting corners or delaying timelines. His ability to navigate complex grant funding systems was critical to the project’s success and a testament to his strategic and results-driven approach.
Mentorship, Leadership, and Technical Excellence
In addition to project delivery, Jimmie plays a key leadership role within the department. He is a licensed Traffic Engineer and Civil Engineer and generously shares his knowledge with junior staff. He has taken on a mentorship role, guiding younger engineers through the intricacies of Caltrans project development, construction management, and practical civil engineering practices.
Jimmie recently completed the City’s Leadership Academy (2023-2024 cohort), further deepening his understanding of interdepartmental collaboration, organizational leadership, and public sector innovation.
Key Contributions Across Divisions
Jimmie’s versatility has made him an invaluable resource across City departments:
• He is the go-to person for the Maintenance Division when traffic or roadway repairs are needed, providing quick and effective solutions grounded in engineering expertise.
• He is also the primary contact for drainage and flooding issues for the Environmental Division, where his input has helped reduce stormwater impacts and improve infrastructure resiliency.
• His strong communication skills allow him to engage effectively with residents-explaining highly technical engineering issues in plain language and ensuring that public concerns are heard and addressed.
Beyond the Job: A Leader in the Community
Jimmie’s dedication extends beyond City Hall. He is an active volunteer leader with the Sierra Club, where he organizes and leads snow camping trips, demonstrating both resilience and a commitment to outdoor education. He is also a proud and devoted family man-father to his son Ezra and husband to Paula-and frequently balances the demands of high-profile City projects with his responsibilities as a parent and community member.
His recent receipt of the APWA Northern California Chapter’s 2025 Chrysalis Award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his remarkable contributions to the City, to the field of public works, and to the community at large.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jimmie and wish him the very best of luck as he competes at the national level of the APWA Awards.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS:
Att A: Certificate of Appreciation