At its May 14 meeting, the Wildomar City Council voted unanimously to appoint Chris Mann as interim city manager, effective through November 14, 2025.Mann brings more than 25 years of local government experience, including serving as city manager for the Cities of Yucaipa and Canyon Lake. During his time in Yucaipa, he was credited with eliminating a structural budget deficit, passing a new revenue measure, significantly reducing homelessness, leading the city to be named one of the safest in California, and creating award-winning com...
At its May 14 meeting, the Wildomar City Council voted unanimously to appoint Chris Mann as interim city manager, effective through November 14, 2025.
Mann brings more than 25 years of local government experience, including serving as city manager for the Cities of Yucaipa and Canyon Lake. During his time in Yucaipa, he was credited with eliminating a structural budget deficit, passing a new revenue measure, significantly reducing homelessness, leading the city to be named one of the safest in California, and creating award-winning communications efforts.
In Canyon Lake, Mann turned an $800,000 deficit into a surplus and helped launch the city’s first municipal fire department.
“We’re pleased to welcome Chris Mann as Wildomar’s Interim City Manager,” Mayor Ashlee DePhillippo said. “Chris is a highly experienced municipal executive known for driving innovation, fiscal responsibility, and effective communications. His experience aligns well with Wildomar’s needs as we continue to grow and explore new economic development and infrastructure opportunities.”
As Interim City Manager, Mann will oversee day-to-day operations of the city and serve as the chief executive officer responsible for implementing council policies across all departments, including Community Development, Public Works/Engineering, Administrative Services, and Economic Development.
“Wildomar holds a special place in my heart,” Mann said. “Having supported the city and its leaders since its early years, it’s truly an honor to step into this role. I’m committed to bringing focus, energy, and transparency to City Hall. Together with the city council and staff, we will prioritize economic development, modern communications, and high-quality public services for the residents of Wildomar.”
Mann previously served as mayor of Westlake Village at age 26 and has held elected positions on two water agency boards. In addition to his government service, he spent over a decade in the private sector as the owner of a public affairs consulting firm, helping clients interface with local government and improving public agency communications.
“Chris knows how to balance the technical demands of city government, and the everyday needs of the residents and the staff who serve them,” Mayor DePhillippo said. “I am confident that Chris will provide leadership and a fresh perspective to Wildomar during this transition.”
Mann’s appointment is effective through November 14, 2025, or until the position is filled permanently. His annual base salary will be $250,000. The employment agreement does not entitle Mann to any additional compensation or severance pay upon termination of the agreement.
Mann holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and political science from California Lutheran University and is completing a Master of Public Administration degree at San Diego State University. He is also a graduate of the International City/County Management Association’s High Performance Leadership Academy. His active professional affiliations include the California City Management Foundation (CCMF), the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC), the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), and the American Society for Public Administration.
For more information about Chris Mann, visit https://chrismann.us