City Manager Kevin Phelps is the Chief Executive Officer for Glendale, the sixth largest city in Arizona. His responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations and policy implementation for almost 2,000 city employees, in addition to ensuring prudent fiscal stewardship for the city.

Mr. Phelps was appointed in November of 2015 when the city was emerging from a financial crisis where it had been near bankruptcy. In 2023, Glendale is not only financially and operationally stable, but his leadership has resulted in the city reaching vast new heights with business growth. The turnaround has resulted in credit rating upgrades and a growing fund balance, achieved through policy reforms, growth of new revenue streams and financial stewardship.

Mr. Phelps places a significant priority on creating a robust business sector by establishing Glendale as a major employment hub. Glendale’s consistently recognized by business leaders as one of the most business-friendly cities in the Valley. This is evidenced by the more than $3 billion of private sector investment over the past several years.

Mr. Phelps’ prior government leadership experience includes serving as Deputy County Executive for Pierce County, Washington, Deputy State Auditor for the Washington State Auditor’s office and 8 years of service as a Tacoma councilmember.

He has more than 30 years of experience in the private sector as the owner of several different successful businesses.

Phelps holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Western Governor’s University in Washington and he attended Washington State University majoring in Communications and Journalism.