Assistant City Manager
Carl Alameda is a public service professional with over twenty years of experience in public administration, education, community engagement, and property management. His commitment to supporting city operations has been demonstrated through his work in various roles, most recently as Assistant City Manager. In that role, he oversaw key municipal functions, including emergency preparedness, finance, human resources, and public information. His leadership helped establish a citywide training and evaluation system to enhance overall performance, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to improving internal operations and fostering interdepartmental collaboration.
Throughout his career, his work has focused on helping local governments operate more efficiently and respond more effectively to public needs. Whether managing departments or leading cross-functional teams, he has consistently approached his responsibilities with structure and clarity. Carl Alameda has built a reputation as someone who guides civic organizations through transitions and supports them in laying the foundation for lasting growth.
Building a Foundation Through Education
His academic journey began at California Polytechnic State University, where he earned a degree in political science with a concentration in public administration. He continued his education at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Planning. His academic performance was recognized when he graduated as a Dean’s Merit Scholar, reflecting his focus and commitment to learning.
This strong educational background shaped his approach to leadership and provided him with the tools needed to address challenges in local government. Over the years, he held leadership positions, including Assistant City Manager and Director of Administrative Services, and stepped in as Interim Director for both Public Works and Finance when necessary. These roles enabled him to manage labor negotiations, emergency planning, and budget administration while also supporting coordination among various departments.
His tenure as Assistant City Manager included leading efforts to modernize government processes. He introduced improvements in financial performance, supported strategic planning initiatives, and implemented reforms to streamline employee evaluations and training systems. Additionally, he served as a liaison to civic groups, including the Art Commission and the Disaster Council, contributing to both community enrichment and public safety.
Real-World Property Management Experience
Alongside his government service, he has developed extensive experience in the private sector. For nearly two decades, he has managed residential and commercial properties, including Section 8 housing and market-rate rentals. His work in this field has required a deep understanding of HUD compliance, capital planning, inspections, tenant communication, and financial reporting.
He has overseen lease enforcement, maintenance scheduling, and budgeting while working with accounting professionals to ensure financial accuracy. His approach to property management reflects the same qualities found in his public sector roles—organization, attention to detail, and a clear commitment to quality service. His ability to navigate both public and private management systems demonstrates flexibility and reliability across different industries.
Educating Future Public Servants
Beginning in 2018, he joined the academic community at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy as an adjunct professor. There, he teaches graduate-level courses in the Master of Public Administration program, focusing on bridging the gap between theory and practical public service work. Drawing from his professional experience, he brings real-world examples into the classroom and helps students understand the complexities of municipal leadership.
His involvement with the University of Southern California goes beyond teaching. From 2012 to 2018, he served on the USC Board of Governors, representing the Price School of Business. Before that, he served as Vice President of the Price School Alumni Association Board from 2007 to 2013, where he supported alumni initiatives and community outreach.
He also played a founding role in the USC City/County Management Fellowship (USC-CMF), which supports graduate students who plan to enter the public sector. As a founding board member and former Chair of the fellowship, he has helped create a network of professionals committed to careers in local government. Through mentorship and institutional support, he continues to help students explore and grow in public service careers.
Active Leadership in Professional Organizations
In addition to his administrative and academic roles, he has maintained an active involvement in several professional organizations. He served as President of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California and also led the American Society of Public Administration’s Los Angeles Chapter. He chaired the North Los Angeles region of MMASC, where he supported regional programs and helped provide professional development opportunities for civic leaders.
His contributions in these roles have focused on expanding access to leadership training and improving collaboration across municipalities. Through workshops, events, and mentoring, he has promoted the importance of peer support and professional growth. These leadership experiences reflect his dedication to building stronger institutions through shared knowledge and strategic engagement.
He has also helped shape conversations around best practices in local governance, contributing to stronger relationships between departments and more efficient municipal operations. His involvement in these associations demonstrates a consistent commitment to the field of public administration and its future leaders.
Years of Volunteer Coaching and Community Support
Outside of his professional commitments, he has contributed to his local community as a youth sports coach for nearly two decades. His coaching background includes football, baseball, and softball, with roles in organizations such as the Crescenta Valley Softball Association, La Cañada High School Football, and the La Cañada Gladiators Youth Football program.
These experiences reflect a personal dedication to mentorship and youth development. He has helped young athletes build not only their athletic abilities but also values such as teamwork, focus, and accountability. His work as a coach highlights his ongoing commitment to the community and his dedication to investing time in developing the next generation.
He also maintains strong ties to his educational background, supporting both his former high school and university. As a member of the USC Athletic Support Group (Cardinal and Gold), he remains actively involved in supporting student-athletes and contributing to the broader university community.
Carl Alameda’s Impact Through Service
Carl Alameda’s career provides a well-rounded perspective on public service leadership. With a foundation in education, a record of achievement in local government, experience in property management, and ongoing work in education and coaching, he has built a professional life marked by discipline, accountability, and practical impact. He has taken on roles that require both high-level decision-making and hands-on operational leadership.
His approach is centered on building systems that work, guiding teams through change, and investing in the people and structures that shape communities. Whether managing a city department, mentoring graduate students, or coaching on the field, his work reflects a clear and sustained commitment to public value.
With a deep understanding of how to align mission with process and strategy with action, Carl Alameda continues to lead in ways that strengthen institutions and empower others. His journey through civic administration, education, and community work demonstrates that leadership rooted in purpose can influence not only organizations but also the people they serve.