City Manager

City Manager, Tom Modica

Tom Modica has worked for the City of Long Beach since 2002, when he was hired as a Management Assistant.

In his subsequent 18 years with the City, Tom has served in a number of roles, including Assistant to the City Manager, Government Affairs Manager, Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, Deputy City Manager and Acting Director of Development Services.

He was appointed Assistant City Manager in 2014, where he was responsible for assisting the City Manager in operating the municipal enterprise, including oversight of City departments and leading special projects required to facilitate citywide priorities, programs and initiatives.

During his tenure with the City, Tom has led the organization on issues such as water quality improvements, financial planning and budgeting, the City’s Land Use Element, planning and implementation of the Long Beach Civic Center project, coastal area project development, City innovation efforts, the City’s $150 million infrastructure investment plan, oversight of the $120 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment plan, and coordination of housing policies including affordable housing, tenant assistance, short term rental, and addressing homelessness.

In September 2019, Tom was appointed Acting City Manager by the City Council. On April 14, 2020, following a national search, Tom was appointed the City’s next City Manager. Tom is focused on using innovation and data to aid the City’s efforts to end homelessness; strategic planning; recruiting and maintaining highly qualified employees by streamlining the City’s hiring process and enhancing employee communication and engagement; and planning for the City’s future, including a commitment to strong fiscal management.

Tom has a master's degree in Public Administration and lives in Long Beach with his family.