The City of Palmdale Hires Ronda Perez as the new City Manager.

PALMDALE – The City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronda Perez as its new City Manager. Perez joined Palmdale in the Fall of 2021 as Assistant City Manager. She was named Acting City Manager in Dec. 2021 and was appointed to the role of Interim City Manager in March 2022.

On Jan. 11, 2023, in a closed session, the Council provided a unanimous (5-0) vote declaring a positive performance evaluation of Perez. On Jan.18, 2023, the Council met again in a closed session to discuss permanently filling the Manager position. They agreed that she should be appointed City Manager, thus removing the Interim title. The hire is a distinct milestone because it is the first time women have occupied the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and City Manager positions in Palmdale’s 60-year history.

The City Council approved a contract for a period of 3 years ending Jan.18, 2026, with 2 options of 2- year extensions. Perez will be paid a base salary of $299,750 annually with benefits. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) 2020-2021. Perez served in various roles within local government for more than 14 years, including Parks, Recreation, Arts Director, and Assistant City Manager. She has extensive experience in capital project management, landscape maintenance, park development, special events, entrepreneurial ventures, strategic planning, communications, code enforcement, housing, economic development, finance, public works, and program creation and implementation. Ronda Perez earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach, as well as dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and criminology, law, and society from the University of California, Irvine.

Perez’s accomplishments are built upon a strong foundation grounded in common sense government principles and a love of her family and community. Her extensive years of experience contribute to her understanding of local government and its purpose, serving the residents.

“It is an honor to continue to serve the residents of our community,” stated Perez, “I look forward to working with our Mayor, City Council, City Staff, and community partners to usher in a new innovative future for Palmdale.”