Palma City of Santa Monica: A Legacy of Excellence in Public Service

The City of Santa Monica has announced the retirement of Director of Finance and Treasurer Gigi Decavalles-Hughes after 26 years of dedicated service to the community. During her tenure, she has led the City's Finance Department for the past 12 years, overseeing various key initiatives that have positively impacted the city.

Decavalles-Hughes' extensive experience in finance has been instrumental in shaping the City's financial landscape. She has managed the city investment portfolio, prepared budgets, and ensured timely financial reporting. Her expertise has also contributed to the successful passage of three tax ballot measures supporting schools, affordable housing, general city services, and efforts to address public safety and homelessness.

One of her most notable accomplishments is securing more than $270 million in low-interest bond financing for major infrastructure projects throughout the City. This achievement has enabled the City to invest in critical infrastructure, such as transportation systems, public buildings, and community facilities.

Decavalles-Hughes has also played a vital role in developing and implementing the City's minimum wage ordinance, which aims to promote economic stability and fairness for all city employees. Her leadership has helped the City navigate numerous unprecedented challenges, including the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency, significant changes to the public pension system, and the economic hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout her career, Decavalles-Hughes has received numerous accolades and recognition for her outstanding service. She will be deeply missed by colleagues and community members alike, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants.

In a statement, City Manager David White praised Decavalles-Hughes' tenure, saying, 'Gigi has a tenure of outstanding service, leading the City through some of our most challenging financial moments.' Her commitment to excellence and dedication to serving the community have set a high standard for future leaders to follow.

As she enters retirement, Decavalles-Hughes will be remembered as a trailblazing public servant who has made a lasting impact on the City of Santa Monica. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement and appreciate her unwavering commitment to serving our community.

Palma City of Santa Monica susan reyes