Steve Montano

Steve Montano is a seasoned public sector finance professional with over 25 years of experience helping local governments strengthen fiscal sustainability, build structurally balanced budgets, and implement sound financial policies. As a Senior Consultant at MRG, Steve draws on his extensive background in municipal finance, budget administration, and strategic planning to advise cities and special districts across California.

Steve has worked both within government and as a consultant, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing public agencies. He has served in senior leadership roles such as Deputy Finance Director for the City of Newport Beach and Assistant Director of Financial Services for the City of San Juan Capistrano, where he introduced long-range forecasting tools, implemented performance-based budgeting, and helped guide agencies through volatile economic cycles.

As a consultant with Baker Tilly and Urban Futures, Steve has led numerous fiscal sustainability projects. His work includes developing long-range financial forecasts, risk-based reserve policies, and revenue models to support local tax measures. He specializes in identifying the root causes of structural deficits and crafting tailored policy responses, helping cities move away from one-time fixes and toward reliable, forward-looking solutions. Steve’s financial assessments often support executive decision-making, improve public transparency, and enhance community trust in local government.

Steve is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and holds a Master of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. With deep technical knowledge and a collaborative, mission-driven approach, he brings strategic insight and practical solutions to every engagement.