Julio Fuentes, whose 30 year career in city management in Southern California has emphasized fiscal stability and economic development, has been selected as the new City Manager for the City of Santa Clara. Mr. Fuentes was appointed by unanimous City Council action at their meeting of December 4, 2012. He will begin his new post February 4, 2013.
Fuentes, 56, has been City Manager for the City of Alhambra since 1992 where he led a staff of 614 and manages a $114 million budget. Alhambra, a mid-size city like Santa Clara, has a population of 83,089. Fuentes’ previous positions include City Administrator/Redevelopment Executive Director for the cities of Azusa and Pomona.
“We are delighted to welcome Julio to Santa Clara and to bring his many talents and skills to our community,” said Santa Clara Mayor Jamie L. Matthews. “His experience with capital projects and the day-to-day delivery of services to a growing community will be invaluable in helping Santa Clara meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
The City conducted a nationwide search for a new City Manager after the June retirement of Jennifer Sparacino who held the job for 25 years.
“I am very honored that the Mayor and City Council have selected me to become the next City Manager,” stated Fuentes. “I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to working with everyone from the community.”
In 2012, Fuentes was the Board President of the California Redevelopment Association. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. He is married to Miriam and they have three grown children. He plans to relocate to the City of Santa Clara.
The City of Santa Clara is a full-service Charter City with a Council/Manager form of government. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and is responsible for implementation of Council policies and for administration of the day to day operations of the City. A 19.2 square-mile city with a population of more than 118,000, the City of Santa Clara total 2012-13 fiscal year budget is $577 million, which includes its own electric, water and sewer utilities; the General Fund budget is $140 million. An All-America City, Santa Clara has a workforce of 992 full time equivalent positions and an Ethics & Values program which has received state, national and international acclaim and become a model for other communities seeking to infuse a higher level of integrity into municipal government.
Additional information about the City of Santa Clara can be found at www.santaclaraca.gov. The full Agenda Report regarding Mr. Fuentes’ appointment as City Manager can be found at http://santaclaraca.gov/CouncilMeetings under the City Council meeting of December 4, 2012, Agenda item 5C.