HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-24 June Fleming
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR JUNE FLEMING
WHEREAS, June Fleming was born on June 24, 1931 in Little Rock, Arkansas, and had a lifelong passion
for education and service which led her to receive a bachelor’s degree from Talladega College in 1952, and a
master’s degree from Drexel University in 1954; and
WHEREAS, Fleming served as an Associate Professor at Philander Smith College between 1960 and 1967
before she came to Palo Alto in 1968; and
WHEREAS, Fleming joined the city of Palo Alto in 1968 and served as the Director of Libraries until 1980.
She then went on to serve as Director of Social and Community Services and Assistant City Manager through
1992; and
WHEREAS, In 1992 the City Council appointed Fleming to City Manager and therefore Fleming made
history in 1992 when she became Palo Alto’s first Black city manager as well as Palo Alto’s first female city
manager; and
WHEREAS, Fleming played a leading role in regional efforts to reduce crime and improve flood control.
During her tenure as City Manager, she helped to shape the city’s annual budget, spearheaded numerous local
initiatives including the establishment of the Regional Enforcement Detail, known as the RED Team, a partnership
between Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and East Palo Alto police officers to fight crime, and oversaw the creation of the
Development Center, the city’s central hub for processing permits and development applications. Fleming was
also instrumental in the formation of the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority, a regional agency that
formed in the aftermath of the devastating February 1998 flood and that is charged with improving flood
protection around the eponymous creek; and
WHEREAS, Fleming served as City Manager until 2000 when she retired and moved to Virginia with her
husband Roscoe Lee Fleming, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, The City of Palo Alto mourns the passing of June Fleming, yet celebrates her extraordinary life
and profound impact as a trailblazing leader.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Ed Lauing, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, do hereby honor the life and legacy of
June Fleming, who devoted decades as a public servant and advocate both in and outside of City Hall.
Presented: February 24, 2025
______________________________ Ed Lauing Mayor
Proclamation