Deputy City Manager

Richard Bristol brings nearly three decades of public service experience to his role as Deputy City Manager for the City of El Paso. With over 27 years of service, Mr. Bristol has demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing infrastructure management, operational efficiency, and organizational innovation across multiple departments.

Before beginning his career in municipal government, Mr. Bristol served in the United States Navy from 1987 to 1991, where he gained valuable leadership and organizational skills that would later shape his approach to public service.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy City Manager, Mr. Bristol served as Director of Streets and Maintenance, where he spearheaded significant improvements in street maintenance and traffic management operations. His strategic approach included the application of Lean Six Sigma principles, which enhanced service delivery in areas such as pothole patching and street sweeping, producing long-lasting results that continue to benefit the community.

Throughout his career, Mr. Bristol has taken on roles of increasing responsibility, including Assistant Director of Streets and Maintenance and Capital Improvement Manager for the City Engineering Department. As Capital Improvement Manager, he oversaw the financial management of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, established new project budgets, and played a pivotal role in the development of the Development Services Department.

Mr. Bristol began his career with the City in 1997 as a Budget and Management Analyst in the Office of Management and Budget. He quickly advanced through the department, contributing to key initiatives such as the implementation of PeopleSoft systems, managing budgets for nearly every City department, and supporting the City’s transition from a strong mayor form of governance to a council-manager system. 

Over the years, Mr. Bristol has been instrumental in several transformative efforts, including the creation of the International Bridges Department and the establishment of the Public Service Board Storm water Utility. His extensive experience has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of municipal operations, from budgeting and strategic planning to infrastructure and service delivery.

Mr. Bristol holds a Bachelor of Arts and a master’s in public administration from the University of Texas at El Paso. His career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and improving the quality of life for the residents of El Paso.