Erica L. Manuel

Erica L. Manuel is the CEO and executive director of the Institute for Local Government (ILG), a nonpartisan nonprofit that supports more than 2,500 cities, counties, and special districts across California. She works at the intersection of policy and practice, helping local agencies turn big ideas into real, workable solutions. ILG delivers applied research, training, and technical assistance that strengthen governance, public engagement, climate resilience, and workforce development—all grounded in what it actually takes for local governments to deliver results in their communities. With more than 20 years of experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, she brings a practical understanding of the local government landscape. She knows the realities that cities, counties, and special districts face every day, from tight budgets to political complexity to growing community expectations. Her focus is straightforward: help local leaders build trust, strengthen their organizations, and get things done in ways that make a meaningful difference for the people they serve.