For the second year in a row, Sausalito has broken with tradition to select its top leaders.

The City Council unanimously elevated Vice Mayor Steven Woodside to mayor on Tuesday. The panel bypassed Councilmember Jill Hoffman for vice mayor for the second year in a row. Instead, the council voted 4-1 to select Councilmember Melissa Blaustein as Sausalito’s next vice mayor.

Hoffman, who has been a lone dissenting vote on many issues, left the council meeting before the panel voted. Blaustein declined to comment.

The leadership selections came after two dozen politically active residents spoke in favor of the nominees.

“We do have a tradition in this town,” said Sonja Hanson, who delivered a petition with 150 signatures supporting Hoffman. “It’s a rotation where everyone goes through the rotation in the same order. Last year, unfortunately, Jill Hoffman should have been elected vice mayor.”

“Jill does a tremendous job representing all of our city, but she has a special point of view for those of us in the north,” said Laurette Rogers. “Please make this right this time.”

“Tonight is not about turns. It’s about trust. It’s not about rotation. It’s about results,” said Charles Melton, who supported Blaustein. “Tonight’s decision is about who is best-positioned to help lead the council right now. And right now Sausalito doesn’t need more division.”

“Blaustein has consistently demonstrated collaborative and respectful leadership,” said Beth Swierk. “This would be the kind of thoughtful, effective partnership our town needs to continue the important work already underway.”

The comments reflect different factions in the city and governing perspectives.

Woodside, who nominated Blaustein, is part of a four-member majority whose most contentious decisions have involved housing policy that concentrates most future multiunit apartment sites in the city’s north end.

In November, Sausalito voters passed two ballot measures to rezone a dozen parcels to meet the state’s mandate to add 724 more housing units by 2031.

Measure K, which was opposed by many north-end residents, allows an affordable senior apartment complex on the perimeter of Martin Luther King Park.

Hoffman has been a strident defender of that section of the city and frequently has been a dissenting vote in many housing and zoning decisions.

Blaustein, in contrast, has been more of a centrist and more often voted with the majority on housing issues and progressive environmental proposals.

Both council members are prior mayors.

Blaustein was elected to her second four-year term on the council in 2024. She served as mayor in 2023 and vice mayor in 2022.

Hoffman was elected to her third four-year term on the council in 2022. She served as mayor in 2016 and 2021, and vice mayor in 2015.

After Woodside nominated Blaustein, Hoffman put her name in nomination and made brief remarks.

“No sitting council member has had the support of the electorate as I have enjoyed during my three uninterrupted terms on the council,” she said. “Why is their top vote-getting candidate, who is actually carrying the promises made during her campaign, not receiving the respect from the council and elevated to a leadership position?”

While supporters praised both candidates, several members of the public said it was important the mayor and vice mayor were like-minded.

“I’ve watched a lot of City Council meetings over the years and participated myself,” said Peter Van Meter, a former council member. “And I think that spirit of collaboration …  has been essential.”

“I’ve served as mayor twice, right? I’ve solved huge problems. So the fact that someone’s saying that I am not a leader is ridiculous,” Hoffman said. “I get it. You guys don’t want me to be mayor. That’s fine. I gotcha. You know what, have your vote. Have a great – have a great holiday. I bid you all good night.”

Hoffman then left with her husband. The vote was called. The remaining four council members voted for Blaustein.

“Thanks to all of you for coming tonight,” Woodside said after the vote. “These are decisions that sometimes don’t disappoint; sometimes they do disappoint. But more importantly, we move on, and we try to move on together.”