City of Costa Mesa logoCity Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison has promoted Alma Reyes to the newly created position of deputy city manager, moving her into a vital role at City Hall as she assists with the day-to-day management of the City.

“Alma is a trusted and immensely talented member of my team and has worked alongside me for years to assist the City Council, manage the City Manager’s Office, assist with complex projects, and help solve constituent issues,” Farrell Harrison said. “She has accomplished a lot in her time with Costa Mesa, and I am proud to promote her into this new role, where she will have expanded responsibilities and duties. I look forward to working closely with her on our high-priority initiatives.”

Mayor John Stephens congratulated Reyes on her appointment.

Costa Mesa Deputy City Manager Alma Reyes

Costa Mesa Deputy City Manager Alma Reyes

“Alma is a consummate professional who has served the City with excellence and enthusiasm for many years,” Mayor Stephens said. “There is no problem too big or small for Alma to solve. She is the ‘go to’ when we need to get stuff done. Alma will be an outstanding deputy city manager, and we are very fortunate to have her in that position.”

Reyes has been the assistant to the city manager since 2019, managing Constituent Services, the City Manager’s department budget, key citywide projects and City special events. She began her career with the City of Costa Mesa in January of 2011, where she began her first job as a management analyst for the Public Services Department.

In April of 2013, she transferred to the Parks and Community Services Department to serve as both the management analyst and recreation supervisor. In November of 2015, Reyes moved into the Fire & Rescue Department to serve as a management analyst, and Chief Dan Stefano praised her passion for public service, team value orientation, and engaged professionalism.

“I have spent my formative years working for the City of Costa Mesa, with the desire to continue my career working in an organization that I have come to consider home,” Reyes said. “I am humbled and excited to take on this new role and work alongside dynamic and professional colleagues to carry out the City Council’s vision to fruition and continue to provide high-quality services and experiences for our vibrant and diverse community, businesses, and visitors. The City of Costa Mesa really is CostaMazing!”

Prior to working in Costa Mesa, Reyes worked for 10 years for the City of Hawaiian Gardens in various areas of local government including: Administration, Public Relations, Public Safety, Public Works, Recreation, Code Enforcement and Finance.

Reyes holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton.

She begins her role effective immediately.