City Council to Appoint New City Attorney Next Week

Mountain View, Calif. - After an extensive recruitment and selection process, the Mountain View City Council is planning to appoint Justin Mates as City Attorney at their Tuesday, Nov. 10 meeting. Mates is a seasoned attorney with 14 years of experience in local government, including seven years of senior executive management experience, most recently as Assistant County Executive for the County of San Mateo. Mates' first day as City Attorney for the City of Mountain View is Jan. 4, 2027, with an annual starting salary of $400,000.

"Justin brings a unique combination of skills and experience, from serving as a local government attorney to a senior executive in municipal government," said Mayor Emily Ann Ramos. "We were seeking an accomplished attorney who can navigate complex legal and public policy matters, and Justin more than delivers these qualities to serve as our next City Attorney. Thanks to his vast experience, Justin will help advance the City Council's vision of Mountain View as a welcoming, vibrant city that remains committed to the values of strong neighborhoods and community involvement."

The City Attorney represents and advises the Council, advisory bodies, and City departments in matters of law related to City business. As City Attorney, Mates will oversee a staff of six attorneys, two code enforcement officers, and three legal support staff.

"I am honored to serve the City of Mountain View as its next City Attorney and join a city that is so well aligned with my goals and values as a local government professional," said Mates. "Mountain View is known for its forward-thinking and innovative approach to tackling public policy issues, as well as its commitment to good governance, and I look forward to working closely with the City Council and Executive Team to advance the City's bold initiatives. I am excited to be returning to serving as a municipal attorney where I can provide creative solutions to achieve Mountain View's goals."

Mates has served as Assistant County Executive for the County of San Mateo since January 2026, having previously served as Deputy County Executive for over six years. As a senior member of the executive team of the County, Mates has overseen departments such as Public Works, Planning & Building, and Housing, while also helping advise the County through some of its most pressing recent challenges, including the pandemic, homelessness response, and the now-$226 million Vehicle License Fee shortfall affecting the County of San Mateo and its cities. He joined the County in November 2012 as a Deputy County Attorney, where he specialized in public finance and tax, real estate, and litigation. Before joining the County, he worked as an attorney in private practice and for an international development nonprofit. Mates holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Stanford University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Harvard Law School.

The position became vacant following the July 2026 departure of City Attorney Jennifer Logue, who was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve as a judge on the Contra Costa County Superior Court.

The City Attorney is one of three positions appointed by the Council. The City Manager and City Clerk are also Council appointees.

Photo of Justin Mates

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