Jones Mayer has been selected to serve as City Attorney for the City of Chico, adding to the firm’s growing presence across Northern California. Located in Butte County in the northern Sacramento Valley, Chico sits about 90 miles north of Sacramento and continues to serve as a regional center for education, business, and recreation.
With a population of more than 101,000 residents and a city footprint spanning over 33 square miles, Chico has built a reputation for maintaining a strong sense of community while supporting steady growth. Incorporated in 1872, the City operates under a council-manager form of government and is home to California State University, Chico. Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipally owned parks in the country at over 3,600 acres, reflects the City’s long-standing commitment to quality of life and public spaces.
Jones Mayer will provide full-service city attorney support to Chico’s City Council, City Manager, and departments. This includes legal advisement on governance, preparation, and review of ordinances and agreements, guidance on compliance with state and federal law, and representation in litigation. The firm will also support training for staff and officials to help ensure alignment with evolving legal requirements.
Leading this engagement is Ryan Jones, Managing Partner of Jones Mayer’s Northern California office, who will serve as City Attorney. Mr. Jones brings extensive experience representing cities and public agencies in both transactional matters and civil litigation. His work includes advising on land use, public records, open meeting laws, elections, and employment matters. He has also handled complex litigation involving municipal liability, contract disputes, and regulatory issues at both the state and federal levels. His background includes service as a Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force and ongoing service as State Staff Judge Advocate for the California Air National Guard.
Supporting the engagement is Ivy Tsai, who will serve as Assistant City Attorney. Ms. Tsai has dedicated her career to local government law and brings more than two decades of experience advising city councils, boards, and commissions. Her work includes land use, public contracting, ethics, and governance, as well as litigation experience in matters involving public entities. She currently serves as City Attorney for the City of Lakewood and General Counsel to a regional joint powers authority.
Jones Mayer has served as city attorney to California municipalities since 1976 and currently provides services to cities throughout the state. This experience supports a practical understanding of how cities operate and the legal considerations that shape daily decision-making. From CEQA and land use to labor matters and public transparency laws, the firm works closely with city leadership to support effective governance.
Chico continues to grow as a regional hub while maintaining the character that defines the community. Jones Mayer looks forward to working alongside City leadership and contributing to the work that supports residents, businesses, and long-term priorities.
Learn more about Jones Mayer’s City Attorney Services: https://jones-mayer.com/practice-areas/city-attorney-services/