To empower social work leaders with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to influence policy and build civic power through elected office.
LAUNCHING JANUARY 2026
Victor Manalo is a seasoned civic leader and social work professional with over three decades of experience shaping policy, managing public resources, and empowering communities. With a distinguished track record in municipal leadership and regional collaboration, Victor brings unparalleled expertise in how local governments operate—and how to get things done within them.
As a former Mayor and Councilmember for the City of Artesia, Victor led the city through the turbulence of the Great Recession, ultimately building up budget reserves and implementing forward-looking fiscal policy. His tenure included serving as President of the California Contract Cities Association, where he represented the interests of over 70 contract cities throughout Los Angeles County, deepening his understanding of municipal contracting and intergovernmental relations.
Victor has held key appointments to regional boards and commissions that drive public service delivery, including the Los Angeles County Behavioral Health Commission, the South East Los Angeles County
Workforce Development Board, the Southern California Association of Governments, and League of California Cities policy committees. These roles gave him a front-row seat to how cities coordinate public works, public health, and economic development across jurisdictions.
Victor’s over 25-years of academic teaching and research at California State University, Los Angeles and his recent consulting work in the community further reflect his dedication to building civic capacity.
Through Victor Manalo Consulting LLC, he provides training and strategic guidance to local government staff, nonprofit leaders, and advocates seeking to influence public systems. He teaches his students and clients how to work with elected officials, understand municipal budgets and governance, and co-create solutions with communities.
A powerful communicator and relationship-builder, Victor regularly presents on the topic of “navigating local government” and is widely recognized for his belief that “relationships are our superpower.”
Dr. Victor Manalo interviews macro direct practice social workers and shares what he has learned from over 30 years of his journey from MSW student and university professor to elected official and political social worker.