Chris Mann Appointed To Serve As Wildomar City Manager

WILDOMAR, CA — Chris Mann, who has served as Wildomar's interim city manager for several months, is now in the position on a permanent basis.

City Council unanimously voted during its Sept. 26 meeting to appoint Mann to the official role. His annual base salary is $281,000.

As city manager, Mann oversees day-to-day operations of the city and serves as the chief executive officer responsible for implementing City Council policies across all departments, including Community Development, Public Works/Engineering, Administrative Services, and Economic Development.

"We have been pleased with Chris’ performance as our Interim City Manager and are excited to be able to retain him in the role on a permanent basis," Wildomar Mayor Ashlee DePhillippo said in a released statement. "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."

Mann has served in local government for several years. He most recently served as city manager for the cities of Yucaipa (January 2023 - March 2025) and Canyon Lake (March 2019 - January 2023).

In a City of Canyon Lake press release announcing Mann's resignation and job acceptance in Yucaipa, he was credited with turning around Canyon Lake's finances over his four-year stint.

Then Canyon Lake Mayor Jeremy Smith said in a released statement, "I truly believe Chris Mann is simply the best Manager the City has had in its 32-year history."

Smith said Mann's decision to take the city manager job in Yucaipa "just makes sense for Chris and for the City of Yucaipa."

Mann's work in Yucaipa was brief. He served as city manager for just over two years before city council members there voted during a March closed-session meeting to place him on paid administrative leave.

The City of Yucaipa followed it up with a statement: "The decision was reached with three affirmative votes, one negative vote, and one abstention ... ."

In the days that followed, a separation agreement was reached and Mann resigned.

A similar scenario played out in Wildomar earlier this year when City Manager Dan York was placed on paid administrative leave. By the end of April, York and the city reached a retirement separation agreement, and he was gone.

Janet Morales had served as acting city manager immediately following York's departure.

In addition to Mann's city manager experience, he owned and operated the public relations firm Mann Communications. He also worked as an administrative analyst and then as deputy chief of staff for a member of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, according to his bio.

He has served on two separate elected water boards, the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (2004-2008) and the Yucaipa Valley Water District (2016-2023).

At a young age, he was elected to the Westlake Village City Council.

"Wildomar holds a special place in my heart," said Mann upon his appointment in May. "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 holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and political science from California Lutheran University and will complete a Master of Public Administration degree at San Diego State University this December, according to his bio. More information about Mann can be found at www.chrismann.us.