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City Manager

The City Manager serves as the professional administrator of the City and is responsible for coordinating all day-to-day operations and administration. Duties include personnel and labor relations, the preparation and administration of the City budget, inter-governmental relations and organizing and implementing the City Council's policies. The City Manager is hired by the City Council and serves as the Council's chief adviser. The City Manager appoints a professional staff to help manage the organization.

Mornings with the Manager cover imageCheck out the Monterey Morning's with the Manager video playlist, and get the latest city news directly from the City Manager.

Executive Management team:
  • City Manager
  • City Attorney
  • Assistant City Manager
  • Community Development Director
  • Finance Director
  • Fire Chief
  • Human Resources Director
  • Library Director
  • Parks and Recreation Director
  • Police Chief
  • Public Works Director

Meet the City Manager, Hans Uslar

CM-Hans-Uslar-2019Web - CopyMr. Uslar began his career with the City of Monterey in 1997 as a management analyst and was promoted through the Plans and Public Works Department.  He became Assistant Director of Plans and Public Works in 2008, and Deputy City Manager/Plans and Public Works in 2012.

He played a key role in the Presidio of Monterey base operations contract, known as the Monterey Model, a benchmark for public-public partnerships since its start in 1998. He was named Assistant City Manager in 2014 and recently served as the City’s Interim City Manager.

Mr. Uslar’s previous experience includes serving as Project Manager at the Institute for Strategies and Studies in Waldbroel, Germany; Assistant Chief of Branch, Naval Policies and Strategies, Department of Defense, in Bonn, Germany; and Commanding Officer of the German Navy’s ship “Hermelin”, Kiel, Germany.

He holds a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Educational Theory from Bundeswehr University of Hamburg, Germany, and a Master of Science (MS) degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Management.

Mr. Uslar is a member of the International City Manager’s Association and the Association of Defense Communities.

He lives in Monterey with his wife and they have a son, Ben, who lives and works in Monterey.

Fiscal Year 2022-23 Annual Operating City manager Budget Message
See the full budget document on the finance pages

Message from the City Manager, from the Spring 2023 edition of City focus

spring Time is Budget Season

Currently, our team is putting together our budget for Fiscal Year 2023/2024. Every February, our Finance Team, together with our staff throughout the City departments, attempt to estimate our future income and expenses. At the end, in June, our Council will approve a balanced budget, which represents nothing more and nothing less than our best estimate.  

This year’s process is not different, although we must consider the effects of a future recession. (Experts tell us that there will be a recession, that it will be painful for many, and that it will be short lived.) Our questions are, how will the recession impact our hospitality industry? Will there be fewer stays in our hotels accompanied by less sales tax? What effects will there be on our Conference Center or Sports Center?   

On April 26th, we will be presenting a '35,000 feet level' big picture summary of our draft budget, which is based on our already provided service levels, work programs and financial obligations. At that time, we will also hear from you, the public, and from our elected officials. Where do you see the priorities? Where will others from the public and City Council see the priorities?     

Then, most likely in two sessions in June, the public and the Council will finalize the budget. It will be the single largest one in the history of our City. Thankfully, over the past years our Council has allocated funding towards our reserves including reserves for the Sports Center and Conference Center, our fund for economic uncertainty, a newly formed sea level rise fund, and a pension side fund. Staff will once again propose a fiscally sound plan, which ensures that we will set aside funds today so that tomorrow’s taxpayers have fewer worries.  

The objective of the budget process is actually simple: minimize the expenses, stick to the core services we provide and avoid frills, keep staffing levels lean by hiring the best and the smartest, make the community and businesses part of the solution (i.e., Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program, business districts), and remain focused on maintaining Monterey’s high quality of life.  

Let’s see if we can make this happen again. As always, enjoy this City Focus and the many articles. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please feel free to contact me. It is our privilege to work for you. ANDA!

Communications and Outreach

The Communications and Outreach Office is a division of the City Manager's Office, and provides strategic communications, community engagement programs and media relations for the City of Monterey. The office manages the City's website, government access TV station, social media sites, and emergency radio station. Staff produce online newsletters, community surveys, videos, and serve as the Public Information Office in the event of an emergency. Learn more...