Appointed by the Culver City City Council, the City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Culver City. The City Manager is responsible for carrying out City Council policy, overseeing daily municipal operations, and ensuring that City services meet the evolving needs of the community.
Under Culver City’s Council-Manager form of government, the City Council sets policy and strategic direction, and the City Manager implements those policies through professional administration and leadership of City departments.
What the City Manager Does
The City Manager:
- Provides executive leadership and direction to all City departments and staff
- Advises and supports the City Council in developing policy goals and evaluating organizational performance
- Prepares and administers the City’s annual operating and capital budgets while maintaining sound financial management
- Leads the implementation of strategic initiatives and Council priorities
- Advances the City’s commitment to equity, transparency, and meaningful community engagement
- Represents Culver City in regional partnerships, intergovernmental coordination, and legislative advocacy
- Oversees the City’s response to declared emergencies, including homelessness-related initiatives
- Maintains clear, consistent communication with the Council, City staff, and the public
- Promotes a culture of accountability, innovation, and trust within the organization
This role requires strong executive leadership, financial expertise, and a collaborative approach to addressing complex community challenges. Above all, the City Manager works to ensure that Culver City delivers high-quality public services, operates responsibly and transparently, and remains responsive to residents, businesses, and community partners.
Department Head
Odis Jones
Odis Jones serves as City Manager for the City of Culver City, bringing more than three decades of public-sector leadership experience and a deep commitment to community-centered governance.
Throughout his career, Jones has led complex organizations through periods of growth, fiscal challenge, and transformation. His leadership philosophy is grounded in listening first, building strong partnerships, and delivering measurable results that improve quality of life for residents. He believes effective local government must be transparent, fiscally responsible, and responsive to the needs of the entire community.
Jones has guided cities through economic recovery, infrastructure reinvestment, downtown revitalization, and affordable housing expansion. He is known for strengthening organizational performance while investing in workforce development, diversity, and long-term financial sustainability. His approach emphasizes collaboration with City Council, staff, businesses, and residents to ensure that strategic priorities are aligned with community values.
As City Manager, Jones is focused on fiscal stability, infrastructure investment, inclusive economic development, and maintaining high-quality public services. He is committed to creating accessible opportunities for community engagement and ensuring that Culver City remains a vibrant, equitable, and forward-looking community.
Jones holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree and has completed executive education at Harvard University.
Community Conversations
Beginning his tenure as City Manager, Jones hosted several Community Conversations to hear from residents about their questions, needs, and concerns.
Full transcripts are available for review. In the coming weeks, staff will summarize and submit those comments to the City Council for consideration.