City Council Appoints New City Attorney

The City Council appointed Sarah Knecht City Attorney for the City of Santa Barbara at a special meeting on December 13. Ms. Knecht has been acting City Attorney since August.

 Ms. Knecht said she is thrilled to have this opportunity to serve the City Council and community in her new position.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the talented team in the City Attorney’s Office as well as the dedicated City staff to ensure that we continue to deliver superior public service,” she said. 

Ms. Knecht joined the Santa Barbara City Attorney’s Office in 2004. She moved to Santa Barbara in 1996 and worked as a public law attorney in private practice prior to joining the City. She has been practicing public law since 1988, except for the time she spent in East Africa pursuing her love of travel. 

Her commitment to public service runs in the family. Ms. Knecht was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado where her father served on the city council and as mayor. 

The City Attorney’s Office is responsible for providing legal advice and representation to the City Council, Boards and Commissions, and all City officers and employees, as well as handling the City’s civil and criminal litigation.