A candidate for the office of Treasurer for the City of Carlsbad, Michael Williams brings a wealth of experience, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to fiscal accountability and sound investment.

Having previously served as the Treasurer for the City of Colton (CA) for 18 years and as a CPA & financial management professional for more than 4 decades, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Michael Williams will always put the interests and prosperity of the City of Carlsbad and its residents first.

An active member of his community, Michael serves as the President of his HOA, an Advisory Board member of the Cal State San Bernardino MPA program, and a volunteer with various nonprofits in Carlsbad. As a former Marine, he knows all about discipline and sacrifice. He is a husband, father of 3 grown children, and grandfather of 4 grandchildren.

Serving with Distinction for Decades

In 1992, I was invited to provide testimony to a subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives on Investment Advisor Industry Reform, representing the experiences and perspectives of “small cities” such as the one for which I served as City Treasurer for 18 years — Colton, CA. I proudly shared my insights and recommendations on better oversight of financial advisors and the ethical and professional obligations especially of those involved in financial management of local municipalities. The City of Carlsbad needs a Treasurer who is wholly committed to the highest ethics and standards, ensuring the interests of the City and residents always come first!

EXPERIENCE

As the only candidate with previous professional experience as a City Treasurer, Michael Williams brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his nearly 2 decades serving as Treasurer for the City of Colton, CA. He has managed diverse portfolios worth hundreds of millions of dollars, advised on bond measures and debt restructuring, served as a fiduciary, and has worked as a CPA for the past 42 years.

INTEGRITY

When it comes to good governance and financial stewardship, character matters. Driven by the ideals of service, honesty, and accountability, Michael Williams knows what it takes to serve his community and constituents with integrity. In 1992, he even testified to Congress on behalf of constituents he represented about crimes committed by investment advisors involving local government.

RESULTS

With a current portfolio in excess of $900M, the City of Carlsbad needs someone with financial management and investment experience who has worked closely with local governments. Michael Williams has done just that throughout his career. He has worked with city leaders in Carlsbad since becoming a resident over a decade ago and is intimately aware of the city’s financial situation, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

Licenses and Certifications

  • California CPA 42 years license #CPA 36520

  • SEC – Series 50 Municipal Advisor

Business, Investment and Finance Experience

  • 10 years public accounting

  • 18 years city treasurer

  • 34 years municipal financial advisor

Community Service in Carlsbad

  • Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation Treasurer

  • Carlsbad Citizens Academy

  • Carlsbad Investment Review Committee

Endorsements

  • Retired Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall

  • Carlsbad District 1 Council Member Dr. Melanie Burkholder

  • Retired Carlsbad City Treasurer Craig Lindholm

  • Retired USMC Colonel Jim Napier

Military Veteran

  • US Marine Corps 1970-72  3rd Recon Battalion 3rd Marine Division

ENDORSEMENTS

  • "I served as treasurer for the City of Carlsbad for the past 12 years. During this time, I had the pleasure to meet Mike Williams. His work experience and résumé are an excellent fit for the position of treasurer. Mike’s investment experience will positively impact Carlsbad’s portfolio decisions. Today’s investment environment demands the strength and market knowledge that Mike possesses. I am voting for Mike Williams for Carlsbad City Treasurer. Please join with me as you cast your vote!"

    Craig Lindholm

    Treasurer, City of Carlsbad (2013 - 2024)

  • "I am proud to have known Mike Williams for 11 years. He has the experience, time, talent and energy to oversee our reserves and act in the best interests of our citizens. Please look at his resume. I am proud to say I support and endorse Mike Williams."

    Matt Hall

    Former Mayor of Carlsbad

  • "The position of Carlsbad City Treasurer is very important for the city. The Treasurer is solely responsible for the investment of over $900 million dollars. It is vital that Carlsbad has a Treasurer who has prior investment management and a business background as well. Your 18 years of prior experience as a city treasurer and 40 years as a CPA will serve the city well. You have also shown your commitment to the City of Carlsbad by serving as the treasurer for the Carlsbad Library and Arts foundation in the past and your graduation from the Carlsbad Citizens Academy in 2022. Please join me in voting for Michael J. Williams for Carlsbad City Treasurer."

    Dr. Melanie Burkholder,

    Carlsbad City Council Member

  • "It has been my great pleasure to know Mike Williams for over 5 years. He has both contributed to and supported in other ways two of the charitable organizations with which I volunteer. One is dedicated to supporting the poor, disadvantaged and in some cases homeless and the other is a project that rescues abandoned, abused and trafficked children. Mike’s experience and knowledge is both deep and wide, especially in the realm of municipal capital management and investment strategy. He has helped me personally to understand the complex “rules” of capital investment to benefit both the poor and the children. More important than his experience, in my opinion, is Mike’s character. His honesty, morality, and ethics are exemplary. I have learned so much from Mike about service to others and an unwavering dedication to excellence. I am honored to endorse in the strongest possible terms his candidacy for the position of Carlsbad City Treasurer."

    Jim Napier,

    Colonel, USMC (Retired)

  • "I served on the Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation board of directors with Michael Williams who joined the board as treasurer. I found Michael to be thoughtful and thorough in his review of the Foundation’s accounting, investments, and the tax returns. I think Michael will do a good job and I am voting for him for Carlsbad City Treasurer. Please join with me as you cast your vote!"

    Major Neil Black,

    USAF Retired