City Manager Biography

Armando G. Villa has been in City Government Administration for over 30 years. During his 30-year tenure, he has held various responsibilities starting as an Urban & City Planner and later transitioning to Management and Administration in several governmental entities & companies in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial Counties in Southern California.  His strengths and emphasis are in Strategic Management & Administration, Land Use Environmental Planning, and Economic Development in both the public and private sectors. 

Mr. Villa’s professional accreditations include attaining status as a Credentialed City Manager (ICMA-CM) by the International City Management Association (ICMA) in 2016. In addition, he is an active member of the American Planning Association (APA) and has attained the status of American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation in 2012. Also, the National Association of Environmental Professional (NEAP) via the Academy of Board-Certified Environmental Professionals issued him CEP certification in 2016. Mr. Villa is currently a candidate for the Economic Development Certification (CEcD) issued by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and is expected to receive accreditation in 2023.  

Mr. Villa’s educational background include a Certificate in Economic Development from the California State University Fresno (2012), a Master’s degree in public administration, MPA (2003) from the California State University, San Bernardino, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, BS (1991) from the California Polytechnic University, Pomona. 

Mr. Villa has also been recognized as an honorary lifetime member of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC) and has been awarded the “Excellence in Government Award” in 2020.  In 2019 the Hispanic Lifestyle Publication recognized Mr. Villa as an “Executive of Influence” for promoting a positive image through diversity and inclusion in municipal government. In 2018, the International City Management Association issued distinctions as a 25-year Public Service Award recipient. In 2013 the California Association of Environmental Professionals awarded Mr. Villa and his team the Outstanding Environmental Document Award for the formulation of the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement for the Ocotillo Wind Renewable Energy Project.