Civil Municipal Magazine - Nov 2023

146 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 11 proximity to beaches adds to its allure. With multiple communities in flux over the years, the city has maintained a rich diversity. “Today, it’s predominantly a Mexican, Latinx, Mexican- American community,” says Mendez. However, the city’s cultural vibrancy doesn’t end there. It continues to celebrate its Japanese, Filipino, and other diverse cultures, making it a melting pot of traditions, stories, and experiences. Steering the Ship: A Day in the Life of the City Manager The role of a city manager is multifaceted, requiring a balance of leadership, administration, and community engagement. As the individual at the helm of a city’s operations, the city manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the city runs smoothly and efficiently, addressing the diverse needs of its residents. Mendez shares, “I’ve been here for a year and a half. I started in July of 2022.” Prior to his role in Watsonville, Mendez served PG&E can help your California business make energy-efficient upgrades possible with 0% financing and no out-of-pocket costs. To learn how you can start saving, visit pge.com/business. Griffith Farms saved $5,100 per year by upgrading equipment. GRIFFITH FARMS Woodlake, CA “PG&E”refers toPacificGasandElectricCompany,asubsidiaryofPG&ECorporation. ©2023PacificGasandElectricCompany. Allrightsreserved.Paid forb yPG&Eshareholders. as a city manager in a smaller city in South Monterey County since 2005. His familiarity with the region and its communities has been instrumental in his current role. “I’ve been in this region for 18, 19 years? I was very familiar with Watsonville as a community,” he notes. Describing his typical day, Mendez says, “I’m pretty much the CEO of the city. I am responsible for all facets of the operations.” This includes ensuring that the policy directions set by the city council, which comprises seven council members, including one mayor, are carried through. “I’m responsible for the budget, the management, procurement, and hiring. I hire all the department heads,” he adds. With a team of department heads reporting directly to him, Mendez oversees a city with over 400 employees and a budget exceeding $200 million. Additionally, a significant part of Mendez’s role involves community engagement. “A typical day is talking to many folks with questions, concerns, etc.