Dr. Stone James is the City Manager of Twentynine Palms, formally accepting the position in April 2024. Dr. James is the former Economic Development Director, Cathedral City, a position he held since 2017. Dr. James brings more than 25 years of private and public sector experience in economic and real estate development. Having joined Cathedral City in 2017, Dr. James has been instrumental in both attracting and retaining key businesses and educational opportunities. These businesses and educational facilities have improved economic conditions, eliminated a long-standing food desert, increased equitable access to education, and increased the number of Cathedral City Jobs that offer genuine upward economic mobility. Prior to joining Cathedral City, Dr. James served as the Vice President for Land Advisors Organization serving the Coachella Valley, Imperial Valley, and Morongo Basin. Other experience includes having served in land acquisition roles for Toll Brothers, Inc. and Richmond American Homes and as a City of Indio Planning Commissioner.
Dr. James recently completed a Doctorate in Policy, Planning, and Development from the University of Southern California’s Price School of Public Policy. Previous education includes having earned a Master of Real Estate Development (also from U.S.C.) and a Bachelor of Business Administration earned from Gonzaga University. Civically, Dr. James serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for a Pre-K through 12th-grade independent school and as a Reserve Deputy and Emergency Medical Technician for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
In his off time, Dr. James enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, reading, and working out.
Dr. Stone James
City Manager Twentynine Palms
Dr. Stone James is the City Manager of Twentynine Palms, formally accepting the position in April 2024. Dr. James is the former Economic Development Director, Cathedral City, a position he held since 2017. Dr. James brings more than 25 years of private and public sector experience in economic and real estate development. Having joined Cathedral City in 2017, Dr. James has been instrumental in both attracting and retaining key businesses and educational opportunities. These businesses and educational facilities have improved economic conditions, eliminated a long-standing food desert, increased equitable access to education, and increased the number of Cathedral City Jobs that offer genuine upward economic mobility. Prior to joining Cathedral City, Dr. James served as the Vice President for Land Advisors Organization serving the Coachella Valley, Imperial Valley, and Morongo Basin. Other experience includes having served in land acquisition roles for Toll Brothers, Inc. and Richmond American Homes and as a City of Indio Planning Commissioner.
Dr. James recently completed a Doctorate in Policy, Planning, and Development from the University of Southern California’s Price School of Public Policy. Previous education includes having earned a Master of Real Estate Development (also from U.S.C.) and a Bachelor of Business Administration earned from Gonzaga University. Civically, Dr. James serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for a Pre-K through 12th-grade independent school and as a Reserve Deputy and Emergency Medical Technician for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
In his off time, Dr. James enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, reading, and working out.