The Indio City Council has unanimously approved a conditional offer of employment to Jonathan Nicks to become the city’s next city manager when current City Manager Brian Montgomery retires in May, according to an announcement made following the council’s April 15 closed session.
City Attorney Steven Pacifico reported during open session that the council unanimously approved a motion to offer the job to Nicks. Pacifico said an employment agreement for Nicks will be negotiated under the direction of the mayor and mayor pro tem, then brought back to the council for approval at a future open session meeting.
Nicks joined the City of Indio as assistant city manager in September 2024 after a nationwide recruitment that drew 119 applicants. At the time, the city said he was selected after advancing through multiple rounds of interviews and emerging as the top candidate from a pool of eight finalists.
A veteran public administrator, Nicks brings nearly 25 years of local government experience to the role. Before coming to Indio, he served as deputy city manager for the City of Menifee, where he also held leadership roles, including interim public works director, community services director, human resources director and project manager. His background also includes service as deputy director for Orange County Parks and Community Services, where he oversaw a $120 million operating budget, a $30 million annual capital improvement program and nearly 400 employees.
Earlier in his career, Nicks served as community services and public works director for the City of Placentia. In that role, he helped establish the Placentia Community Foundation and became its first executive director, leading fundraising efforts for community programs.
When Indio announced his hiring as assistant city manager last year, city officials said Nicks would support the city manager on projects and programs, oversee several city divisions and departments, serve as a community liaison and act as city manager in Montgomery’s absence.
Nicks holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Long Beach, a leadership certification from Chapman University and a Smart City certification from Pepperdine University. He is also a member of several professional organizations, including the International City Management Association and the Municipal Management Association of Southern California.
