Matt Huffaker

Matt Huffaker is an experienced city management professional with a diverse background in local government. Currently serving as City Manager for the City of Santa Cruz since December 2021, Huffaker previously held the position of City Manager in Watsonville from June 2016 to December 2021, and held multiple roles including Assistant City Manager in that organization. Earlier experience includes a decade in various managerial positions with the City of Walnut Creek and a Board Internship with the County of San Diego, as well as an internship with California State Senate for Senator Tom Torlakson. Huffaker's educational credentials include a Masters in Public Administration from California State University - East Bay, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Point Loma Nazarene University, and participation in the Berkeley Executive Seminar at the University of California, Berkeley focused on Public Policy and Leadership.