The City Manager is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Council. The City Manager is responsible for the overall operations of the City, like a Chief Executive Officer in a private corporation.

Providing professional leadership, the City Manager's Office ensures City services, activities and facilities meet the policy objectives formulated by the City Council. The City Manager’s Office also develops recommendations and strategies to meet the current and future needs of the Mountain View community.

Mission Statement

The mission of the City Manager’s Office is to support the City Council in the development and execution of their goals and policies and provide leadership and guidance to City departments in the delivery of City services.

Through its four divisions (City Management, Communications and Outreach, Human Services, and Sustainability), the functions of the City Manager’s Office include:

• Leading strategic planning, organizational improvement efforts, and major cross-departmental initiatives. 
• Informing and engaging the community through outreach and communication activities in a range of formats and languages;
• Developing and implementing strategies to respond to homelessness and other human service needs;
• Building intergovernmental relationships and advocating for the City’s interests at the regional, state and federal level; and
• Developing policies and programs that promote resiliency and reduce carbon emissions and other environmental impacts.

City Manager Kimbra McCarthy

Kimbra McCarthy began her tenure as City Manager for the City of Mountain View in March 2020, reporting directly to the City Council and leading an organization of more than 700 employees. Kimbra has focused the organization on launching programs to serve the most vulnerable residents and assist small businesses; using innovation and technology to enhance citywide operations; and overseeing projects to increase affordable housing, create active transportation networks, promote social equity and environmental justice, and transition to a green economy.

Prior to her appointment as City Manager, Kimbra worked for the City of Redwood City from 2016-2020, where she served as the Assistant City Manager, leading the administrative services department and working on citywide policy initiatives. Kimbra returned to Mountain View after serving as its Deputy City Manager from 2014-2016. Kimbra also held leadership roles at the County of Santa Barbara in the County Executive Office and the District Attorney’s Office. Prior to entering government service, Kimbra worked in the legal field.

Kimbra has a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law, a Masters of Law in European Law from the University of Limerick, Ireland, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washburn University. Kimbra is a member of the Next Gen Silicon Valley committee, helping to develop the next generation of public sector leaders, and has served as President of the Santa Clara County City Managers Association. She was named a Woman of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal in 2024. Kimbra lives in Mountain View with her husband and young daughter. 

Questions, Concerns, Compliments?

The City of Mountain View uses a 24/7 online customer relationship system, Ask Mountain View, to provide a way to submit questions, concerns, and compliments directly to the City staff or department who can help you.