Gustavo Romo Announced As New Coachella City Manager, Closing Out Year-Long Search

Coachella's City Council met Wednesday night for the first time since the city officially announced Gustavo J. Romo as its new city manager. Romo has actually been in the role since June 15, but this week marked the city's formal introduction of him, capping off a search that stretched roughly a year, ever since the council voted to oust former City Manager Dr. Gabriel Martin in January 2025. The city never disclosed why Martin was let go.

City officials say Romo brings more than 32 years of municipal leadership experience. He most recently served as deputy city manager for Beaumont starting in March 2025 and stepped up to interim city manager there from December 2025 through May 2026. Before that, he was deputy city manager for Bell Gardens and held community and economic development director roles in several Southern California cities.

As city manager, Romo oversees Coachella's day-to-day operations and works with the council to carry out its priorities.