On January 10, City Manager Dan Singer announced the appointment of Jonathan Royas as deputy city manager for the City of Santa Paula. In this newly created role, Jonathan will work with the city manager and as part of the City’s Executive Management Team to implement city council’s policies and programs serving the Santa Paula community. Jonathan began his role as deputy city manager on January 15.
“I am thrilled to select Jonathan as our deputy city manager. His proven leadership skills and dedication to public service make him an excellent choice to help move Council’s goals and strategies forward,” said Dan Singer. “I look forward to working closely with him as we strive to enhance the quality of life for Santa Paula residents.”
As a member of the City’s Executive Team, Jonathan will directly oversee public information and communications, legislative affairs, employee enrichment initiatives and the implementation of Council’s Strategic Plan. Additionally, he will provide leadership and assistance in other high priority areas such as economic vitality, grants and emergency preparedness.
In addition to working collaboratively with City officials, Jonathan will also engage with a wide variety of public and private organizations, governmental agencies and community groups, focusing on intergovernmental grant coordination for state and federal funding opportunities.
Jonathan has been employed with the City of Santa Paula for over three years, and most recently served as the public information officer and management analyst where he was instrumental in navigating the nuances of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). In that capacity, he led Council through efforts to allocate the City’s $7.1 million distribution, working with Council and the executive team to create programs such as a Nonprofit Grant Assistance Program and partnering with the County of Ventura to receive ARPA funding for projects for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Paula Community Center. Jonathan also led efforts in the City’s transition to by-district elections and in obtaining federal earmarks and grants for the City in excess of $4 million.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Santa Paula in the capacity of deputy city manager,” said Royas. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing our charming city come together and flourish with great leadership and genuine collaboration. I am committed to upholding the values that make Santa Paula exceptional, and eager to work together with community partners and the City team to build on our successes and propel our community forward.”
Jonathan holds a juris doctor in Law from the Southern California Institute of Law, a bachelor’s degree in Government from Claremont McKenna College and certificates in advanced public engagement and municipal financial management from the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy and Cal State Fullerton, respectively.
Additionally, Jonathan is the vice-president of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC), a founding board member for the nonprofit Santa Paula Together and a board member with the Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau and Institute for Local Government. Jonathan is also a member of the International City County Management Association (ICMA), the California City Management Foundation and a current member of the Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) Cohort XXIX.
For more information on the City of Santa Paula, please visit www.spcity.org.