Santa Ana, Calif.- City Manager Alvaro Nuñez is pleased to announce the appointments of Minh Thai and Kathryn "Kat" Downs to the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Santa Ana, effective February 3, 2025. Both Ms. Downs and Mr. Thai bring a wealth of expertise and experience that will significantly contribute to the continued success and development of our city.
Minh Thai
Mr. Thai has over 30 years of experience in urban planning, public administration, and economic and community development. He has served as the Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency since 2018. Mr. Thai's deep expertise in economic development, community planning, and his collaborative leadership style will enhance the City's efforts in managing critical programs, including the sunset of Measure X and initiatives to increase sales tax. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning.
Under Mr. Thai's leadership, the City enacted its first Comprehensive General Plan Update in 40 years. Last year, the American Planning Association-California Chapter honored our Planning and Building Agency with the Award of Merit for the Comprehensive General Plan Update.
Kathryn Downs
Ms. Downs has over 30 years of professional experience, including auditing cities, commercial lending, and working in senior finance roles. She has served as the City's Executive Director of Finance and Management Services Agency since 2018 and will now take on the broader responsibilities of Assistant City Manager. Ms. Downs' financial acumen and leadership will be instrumental in overseeing the City's operational and administrative matters. She is a CPA with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Management.
Under Ms. Downs' leadership, the City refinanced its employee pension debt at a lower interest rate, saving the City and taxpayers $138 million. The Finance Agency has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award several times from the Government Finance Officers Association.
Alongside Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez, Mr. Thai, Ms. Downs and City Manager Nuñez are committed to ensuring a smooth transition in Santa Ana's development process. Their focus will be on key areas such as community development and preparing for the sunset of Measure X, with an emphasis on initiatives that improve public safety, economic vitality, and quality of life. With over 100 years of combined experience, we are united in our mission to make Santa Ana a safer, more vibrant city where residents can thrive, feel valued, and take pride in their community. Together, we will continue to build on our successes and tackle challenges to ensure Santa Ana remains a city we are all proud to call home.
Congratulations to Mr. Thai and Ms. Downs on their well-deserved promotions.
