City of Benicia logoOn August 3, 2023, the Benicia City Council announced the appointment of Mario Giuliani as city manager for the City of Benicia. Giuliani has been serving as interim city manager since March 2023, after the retirement of former city manager, Erik Upson.

“At a time of significant financial challenges, Mario has developed a long-term plan that the Council has supported,” said Benicia Mayor Steve Young. “He is proposing bold steps for both expense reduction and revenue generation that if supported by Benicia voters, will put us on the path of long-term financial stability. The Council is happy and confident in moving forward with Mario as our next city manager.”

The City Manager provides leadership in the administration of all city services activities and facilities and directs the execution of policies and objectives formulated by the City Council. Giuliani will serve to support the City Council in the development and execution of their goals and policies, including a new strategic plan and financial resiliency plan in the fall of 2023.

Following the announcement, Giuliani noted “To have the trust and confidence of our elected officials and the support of my colleagues to lead this organization in a time of great challenge fills me with immense humility, gratitude and resolve. To be appointed as the city manager in the community in which I grew up and where I am now raising my children is the honor of my life. I am deeply committed to the success of our town and confident that this community will overcome the challenges that are ahead to put Benicia on a path to prosperity.”

Giuliani is a 30-year resident of Benicia and a graduate of Benicia High School. Before filling the role of interim city manager, Giuliani served as the City’s deputy city manager for nearly three and a half years and has led the City’s Economic Development Division for the last 13 years. Giuliani began working for the City in 1994 in the Parks and Community Services Department and City Attorney’s Office.

In addition to working for the City of Benicia, Giuliani worked in the cities of Vacaville and Walnut Creek, the Greater Vallejo Recreation District and was a law clerk for Solano County District Attorney’s Office. Giuliani holds degrees in Political Science and Law from UC Davis and has a Professional Certificate in Labor Management Relations. Community involvement has been a lifelong activity for Giuliani. In 2001, he was elected to the Benicia Unified School District Governing Board of Trustees, is a current member and past president of the Benicia Rotary Club and member and coach of Benicia Little League. Mario Giuliani is a father of two boys, a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, a self-admitted poor golfer and a voracious reader and viewer of all things US History.

The contract agreement for the city manager will be considered at the August 15, 2023 City Council meeting. To learn more, visit http://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas.