The Palmdale City Council has approved the appointment of Salvador “Sal” Mendez as city manager following a nationwide recruitment process, reinforcing its commitment to stable, accountable leadership and high-quality service delivery for residents.
Mendez has served as city manager pro tem since March 2025 and as interim city manager since Sept. 2, 2025, when the City Council unanimously appointed him to that role. On Feb. 12, the City Council appointed Mendez to the city manager position pending execution of an agreement and completion of a background check. Prior to serving as interim city manager, Mendez was the City’s assistant city manager, giving him an intimate understanding of Palmdale’s operations, community priorities and long-term goals.
“Palmdale residents deserve steady, accountable leadership, and Sal Mendez has demonstrated exactly that,” said Mayor Eric Ohlsen. “Through a nationwide recruitment, we sought a city manager with proven operational strength, integrity and a genuine commitment to public service. Sal brings all of that, plus deep knowledge of our community from his service as assistant city manager and Interim City Manager. He understands Palmdale’s goals and what it takes to deliver results for residents.”
Mendez is a distinguished public servant known for his expertise in public works, with more than six years of experience as a public works director. He has led multimillion-dollar projects and advanced strategic initiatives that strengthen infrastructure, support sustainable growth and improve day-to-day quality of life for the communities he serves. In recognition of his leadership, Mendez was named the 2024 Top Leader of the Year in the Public Sector by the Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
“Continuity matters, and so does capability,” said Mayor Pro Tem Austin Bishop. “Sal has brought a calm, solutions-focused approach and a clear standard of professionalism to City operations. Because he’s served as Palmdale’s assistant city manager, he already understands our organization and our community at a deep level. After a nationwide recruitment and a thorough vetting process, we’re confident this decision supports long-term stability and momentum for our residents.”
“I’m honored by the Council’s trust and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the Palmdale community,” said City Manager Sal Mendez. “Palmdale has tremendous potential, and I’m committed to leading with transparency, collaboration and a focus on outcomes, ensuring City services are reliable, projects move forward responsibly, and we continue building a strong future for our residents, businesses and neighborhoods.”
Mendez earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in public administration from California Polytechnic University, Pomona.