The City of Murrieta announced the appointment of Justin Clifton as its new city manager upon the retirement of Kim Summers in January 2025. Clifton has more than 15 years of experience serving as a city manager, with a proven track record of building and overseeing high-performing organizations to improve communities.
Clifton joined the City of Murrieta earlier this year as assistant city manager, helping with the daily operations of the city, achieving the city council’s goals, strategic planning, implementing best practices, refining policies and procedures, assisting in the management of city departments and programs, and providing oversight of the city in the city manager’s absence.
“I am thrilled to take on the role as city manager,” Clifton said. “I’m excited to work in the community my family and I love and to be part of such an amazing team. I’m committed to accomplishing the vision set forth by our city council and working hard to continue to make Murrieta better for our residents.”
Current City Manager Summers, who will be retiring on January 10, 2025, after serving seven years as Murrieta’s city manager and more than 25 years in local government, said she is very happy with the city council’s decision. “Justin is dedicated to serving the public, professional, energetic, and has a keen focus on creating a positive environment for the employees to continue the work that has been started. He also has plans for many new and exciting projects and programs. I am confident that his talents will inspire our city to grow while maintaining the highest standards of service that the Murrieta citizens deserve.”
Clifton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fort Lewis College and a Master of Arts degree from Colorado University, Denver. In addition, Clifton has previously held the designation of credentialed manager from the International City/County Management Association for more than 10 years and holds numerous certifications in organizational excellence, leadership, public engagement, consent building, and Lean process improvement.
