Milpitas appoints new city attorney

Milpitas has a new city attorney.

The City Council unanimously appointed long time government lawyer Christian Curtis to take on the role.

“It was a very extensive search … we had some really qualified candidates,” said Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano at Tuesday’s meeting. “I’m really pleased with who we chose. This person is very, very well qualified and I’m sure that the city is going to benefit so much.”

While the search for city attorney was initially marred by a scandal which resulted in the resignation of the former interim city manager, a months-long search eventually netted Curtis, who serves as city attorney for Redding in Northern California. Prior to beginning that position in 2023, he held several legal positions in Mendocino County, including county counsel, which serves as legal advisor to Mendocino County’s Board of Supervisors.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with the Council, City staff, and the community to support the Council’s policy goals and help provide effective and responsible public service,” said Curtis in a release from the City of Milpitas. Curtis did not immediately reply to request for further comment about the transition.

According to a staff report on the appointment, Curtis will make $340,000 in the position with another $162,000 in benefits.

Christopher Creech, the assistant city attorney for Milpitas, has served as acting city attorney since May 2025 and will continue until Curtis joins Milpitas staff this spring.

Curtis is slated to take on his role on May 4, according to his employment agreement with the city, though the start date may be earlier according to city staff.