Michael Mutalipassi, who served as Milpitas’ City Attorney since April 2022, has died. He was 48 years old.
Before coming to Milpitas, Mutalipassi served as the City of Salinas’ Assistant City Attorney for almost six years. Before that, he worked in private practice, focusing on insurance defense in catastrophic cases, general civil litigation, and business disputes.
During his time in Milpitas, he was dedicated to the establishment of the City’s in-house legal department, which the City estimates has saved them $500,000 annually.
“Michael was passionate about re-establishing the City’s in-house legal department and using that department to support the City’s growth and development,” Milpitas’ Assistant City Attorney Christopher Creech shared with The Beat. “He worked tirelessly in sickness and in health, commuting daily from the coast, which he and his family loved, to a City that he sincerely believed could make waves in the Bay Area.”
Mutalipassi also provided legal analysis and legal work for Measure J, a reauthorization of the voter-approved ¼ cent sales tax that extended the tax for eight more years. Measure J received an overwhelming 80% of the vote in the November 2024 election.
Mutalipassi was also the negotiator on the agreement that brought the Rivian distribution center to Milpitas. And he counseled Milpitas’ passage of its updated Housing Element, making it the first Santa Clara County city to adopt one. During his time as Milpitas’ City Attorney, Mutalipassi also advised sweeping land use reforms in Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update, Metro Specific Plan, Gateway Specific Plan, and Housing Opportunity Districts.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael. He successfully led the City through numerous complex legal challenges, ensuring outcomes that strengthened the City’s commitment to ethical governance and compliance with the law. His contributions will not be forgotten,” said Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano.
Mutalipassi was born on June 28, 1977 in Santa Monica, California.
In January 2024, Mutalipassi was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic colon cancer after a few months of treating what had initially been misdiagnosed as bronchitis and then pneumonia.
Mutalipassi passed away on July 5, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones in his home in Pacific Grove.
His wife Rachel Mutalipassi shared with The Beat, “My husband was deeply committed to the City of Milpitas. Serving as City Attorney was not just his profession, it was his passion. He believed in the power of the law to bring about fairness and integrity and carried that belief into every decision he made. While our family mourns an incredible loss, we find comfort in the legacy he leaves through the work he loved and the communities he served with purpose.”
Michael Mutalipassi is survived by Rachel and their son, Llyr.
My sincere condolences Michaels family, may God bless his soul.