PARAMOUNT, Calif. – After more than three decades of dedicated service to the City of Paramount, City Manager John Moreno will retire in December 2026, closing a remarkable chapter in a career that has helped shape Paramount since 1993. Mr. Moreno began his career with Paramount as a Management Analyst in the Administrative Services Department, then advanced through a variety of leadership positions, including Assistant Public Works Director, Public Safety Director, Community Development Director, and Assistant City Manager. He was appointed City Manager in October 2015.
Mr. Moreno played an important role in Paramount’s transformation from one of the region’s most blighted communities in the 1980s into the thriving, attractive city it is today. His work in economic development created an environment that encouraged business investment, revitalized commercial areas, and attracted new businesses to Paramount. Among these efforts was the 2017 redesign of the downtown district, which helped usher in a new era of restaurants, shops, and investment for the community. More recently, his work included efforts to bring a new 17-unit, single-family residential development and the establishment of national retailers Sprouts, Panera, and Dutch Brothers Coffee. His contributions have also been recognized beyond Paramount. In May 2026, Mr. Moreno received the California Contract Cities Association’s City Manager of the Year Award, recognizing his leadership and dedication to local government among over 80 member cities across the state.
“It’s not often that someone starts their career with a city and goes on to serve as its City Manager for more than a decade,” said Mayor Brenda Olmos. “John was that rare exception and spent 33 years making our community better. We wish him nothing but the best in this next chapter. He has certainly earned it!”
As the City prepares for this transition, the City Council is working on a succession plan and expects to share additional information in the near future. Assistant City Manager Grissel Chavez will serve as Interim City Manager immediately following Moreno’s retirement, providing continuity in leadership while the Council works through the transition.
The City of Paramount thanks John Moreno for his 33 years of service and wishes him all the best in his retirement.
