The City Manager’s Office implements City Council policies and oversees daily City operations to ensure services meet the community’s needs. The department also supervises the City Clerk’s Office, Human Resources, and Public Affairs while advancing innovative programs and customer service.
City Manager, Chris Escobedo
Chris Escobedo has served as Interim City Manager since 2024, following his role as Assistant City Manager. He brings more than 20 years of local government experience in the Coachella Valley. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, San Bernardino. He lives in the Coachella Valley with his wife and two daughters and is dedicated to advancing Palm Desert’s goals, supporting a high-performance organizational culture, and strengthening community pride.
Contact the City Manager's Office
City Clerk
The City Clerk’s Office safeguards the integrity of Palm Desert’s democratic process and provides open, accurate, and accessible information to the public, City Council, City staff, and local, state, and national agencies. The Clerk's Office ensures compliance with key state laws, including the Ralph M. Brown Act (open meetings), the California Public Records Act (public access to records), and the Political Reform Act of 1974 (conflicts of interest).
If you’re interested in learning more about City Clerk services, please explore the pages below.
Human Resources
The Human Resources Division is here to support our most important asset: our people. We manage recruitment, benefits, training, and employee relations to ensure a fair, inclusive, and productive workplace. Whether you’re exploring career opportunities with the City of Palm Desert or seeking guidance as a current employee, HR is your resource for growth, support, and success.
If you’re interested in learning more about Human Resources, please explore the pages below.