Vista, CA – The City of Vista is pleased to announce the promotion of Imelda M. Huerta to Assistant City Manager effective Sept. 13, 2023. Following interviews and the unanimous recommendation from stakeholder groups comprising community members, City leadership, and staff who participated on interview panels, City Manager John Conley selected Huerta for the position. Since January 2022, Huerta has worked as the City’s Assistant to the City Manager. She has previously held the positions of Management Analyst, Management Assistant, Development Services Technician, Senior Office Specialist, and Office Specialist at the City of Vista, where she began her career in public service on Jan. 10, 2000.

Huerta’s public service experience extends to other municipalities, including 2 years with the City of Escondido as a Development Technician and 3 years with the City of Menifee as a Senior Management Analyst and Acting Assistant to the City Manager. Huerta is a San Diego County region Board Member for the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC) and a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). She has a Master of Public Administration (Public Management Concentration) degree from CSU Dominguez Hills, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from CSU San Marcos, a Professional Certificate in Grant Writing from San Diego State University, and recently completed the ICMA High-Performance Leadership Academy. Additionally, Huerta is a graduate of Vista High School and has a passion for the community she serves.

Her experience at the City of Vista includes leading priority projects, including the Pala Vista Park project, implementing key initiatives, legislative affairs, management, team building, and oversight of several staff and divisions. 

Huerta is a military spouse and enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.

“Having witnessed Imelda Huerta’s incredible journey spanning over 23 years in local government, I am proud and thrilled to announce her promotion to Assistant City Manager. Her fantastic work ethic, positive attitude, and genuine care for residents and coworkers are just a few of her commendable traits. Imelda’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service, paired with her unique perspective as a Vista native, makes her an invaluable asset to our city,” said John Conley, City Manager.

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of Assistant City Manager for the City of Vista,” said Imelda M. Huerta. “As a Vista native, my commitment to this community is unwavering. I’m eager to collaborate with City Manager John Conley and our dedicated City staff to deliver excellent services to the community. Working closely with local, regional, state, and federal officials, residents, businesses, and community leaders is crucial to upholding and enhancing the values and goals of our community.”

For more information on the City of Vista, please visit cityofvista.com.