Current Term December 2022 - December 2026
Mayor Melendez has been a dedicated Montebello resident for over 30 years. He earned his B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations from California State University, Los Angeles, and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of La Verne College of Law.
Currently, Mayor Melendez serves as the President and CEO of a substance abuse clinic and provides strategic planning and consulting to healthcare agencies. In these roles, he advocates for access to quality and affordable healthcare, particularly for underserved communities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
With extensive experience in both elected and appointed offices, Mayor Melendez has a diverse background that includes advocacy, legislation, campaign management, fundraising, and event coordination. His expertise spans healthcare, workforce development, housing, land use, public transportation, municipal law, and infrastructure. He has led environmental initiatives and overseen significant capital improvement projects, fostering strong relationships throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Serving as an elected official on the Montebello City Council since 2018, Mayor Melendez has held a number of significant roles, including Mayor and Councilmember of Montebello, Vice-President of the Gateway Cities Affordable Housing Trust, Chair of the Legal and Contract Committee for the California Contract Cities Association, Chair of the San Gabriel Valley Metro Service Council and Director on the San Gabriel Valley Service Council. He has tackled critical issues at the local, regional, and state levels, such as healthcare, economic development, community empowerment, transportation, homelessness, air quality, fiscal education, and housing solutions. He’s also a proud member of the Lions Club of Montebello.
The Mayor’s favorite aspect of Montebello is its strong sense of community, which he cherishes deeply.