Eric Levitt will be San Bernardino’s new city manager following City Council approval Wednesday and the controversial departure last year of Levitt’s predecessor Charles Montoya.
Levitt is currently Fullerton’s city manager, and his agreement with that city requires a 45-day notice of departure, officials said. His start date in San Bernardino is Aug. 4.
“Today marks a significant moment for the city of San Bernardino. I am proud to officially welcome Eric Levitt as our permanent city manager,” Mayor Helen Tran said in a statement. “Eric sees the potential of our city, shares our vision, and has the leadership skills to bring a stronger, more vibrant city to the residents we serve.”
The announcement followed a nationwide recruitment process, officials said.
Levitt has been Fullerton’s top administrator for three years. During his tenure with the Orange County city of nearly 145,000 residents, he worked with the City Council to develop a strategic plan for retail economic development, increase funding for infrastructure and road improvements, reduce staffing vacancies and initiate community-based events, officials said.
For 18 years before Fullerton, Levitt was city manager of two other california cities, Alameda and Simi Valley, as well as Janesville, Wisconsin, and Sedona, Arizona. San Bernardino officials said as city manager in Simi Valley, Janesville and Sedona, Levitt’s financial management led to better bond ratings.
“Eric’s proven track record of growth, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement are in perfect alignment with the needs of San Bernardino,” Tran said. “The council and I look forward to working closely with him because his success is San Bernardino’s success.”
Levitt plans to relocate to San Bernardino in the coming months, officials said. His starting salary is $333,000, and he will receive a $6,000 stipend for moving expenses.
Levitt’s appointment fills a position that has been vacant since May 2024, when the mayor and council fired ex-City Manager Charles Montoya.
Montoya’s termination after eight months on the job followed allegations of financial mismanagement, retaliation against whistleblowers and a hostile work environment.
Rochelle Clayton was appointed acting city manager but left to become the city manager of Barstow. Bill Gallardo has been the interim city manager since February.
