Banning City Council Appoints Elizabeth Gibbs As City Manager

BANNING, CA — Following an extensive executive recruitment search, the Banning City Council has unanimously approved an employment agreement with Elizabeth Gibbs to serve as the City’s next City Manager.

According to a city news release, Gibbs brings more than three decades of public service experience in municipal government, including executive leadership roles overseeing finance, operations, utilities, public safety coordination, community services, and organizational restructuring.

"Throughout her career, she has led through periods of fiscal strain, strengthened internal controls, implemented long-term financial planning strategies, and restored operational stability," they said.

Gibbs is a long-time resident of the Pass area and brings extensive familiarity with the region’s history, economic landscape, and community priorities, according to the news release. Gibbs, previously a city manager of Beaumont, left that position in Sept. of 2025 after serving 30 years at that city. She holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in public administration from California Baptist University.

"Her deep roots in the San Gorgonio Pass provide her with a strong understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing Banning," they said.

Mayor Richard Royce spoke on Gibbs’ depth of experience and connection to the community.

“Elizabeth’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to ethical leadership, financial accountability, and service to the public,” Royce said. “Equally important, she understands the Pass area because she lives here and is invested in this community. Her track record of strengthening municipal operations and guiding organizations through complex challenges — combined with her regional knowledge — positions Banning well for the future. The Council looks forward to working alongside her to ensure transparency, stability, and renewed public confidence in City government.”

During her tenure in executive leadership, Gibbs has overseen balanced budget adoption in challenging fiscal environments, strengthened reserve policies, advanced infrastructure investment planning, and prioritized collaboration across departments and with community stakeholders, according to the city.

Her leadership style emphasizes accountability, open communication, and measurable results.

During the council meeting, Gibbs expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Banning community.

“Public service has been the focus of my professional life, and the Pass area has long been my home,” she said. “I care deeply about this community and its future. I am committed to working collaboratively with the City Council, City employees, and our residents to restore trust, reinforce transparency, and deliver reliable, high-quality services. Strong local government depends on partnership, integrity, and sound financial management, and I look forward to building on those principles here in Banning.”

Mayor Royce commented further, saying:

“Rebuilding public trust is a shared responsibility. With experienced leadership, deep local understanding, and a unified commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, we are confident Banning will continue moving in a positive direction.”

Gibbs replaces the interim city manager Art Vela after the previous city manager, Doug Schulze,was placed on indefinite leave and then released in early 2025.