As the former City Manager for the City of Orange, California, Rick Otto understands the many challenges today’s local government executives face. Rick successfully navigated his organization through the pandemic, recessions, periods of political transition, local emergencies, and community tragedies. His compassionate, collaborative, and results-orientated leadership style allows him to create and foster a positive work environment and forge excellent working relationships with political leaders, labor associations, community groups, and fellow city managers.
Rick has over 32 years of local government experience working for small and medium-sized cities in Southern California. In addition to serving as the City Manager for Orange, a full-service city with an annual budget of $200 million and 750 employees, Rick also served as their Assistant City Manager, Community Development Director, and Economic Development Manager. Prior to his tenure in Orange, Rick worked for three contract cities in Los Angeles County: City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of La Mirada and City Of Temple City. Throughout his career, Rick has been involved in nearly every aspect of local government, including land use planning, historic preservation, citizen engagement, affordable housing, economic development, finance and budgeting, capital projects, information technology, labor negotiations, staff development, and public safety coordination.
In addition to his professional achievements, Rick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a Master of Public Policy and Administration, both from California State University, Long Beach. Rick is a frequent guest speaker for public policy and journalism classes at California State University, Fullerton, and Chapman University. He also has been a speaker for the American Planning Association. Finally, Rick is proud to have been a Disneyland Cast Member and still uses that customer-centric approach with his clients.
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Phone: (714) 745-2852