City Administrator Rebecca Bjork Announces Retirement

After 35 years of dedicated service, City Administrator Rebecca Bjork announced today that she will be retiring at the end of the year. 

Ms. Bjork served in numerous roles at the City, including Assistant City Administrator, Public Works Director, Community Development Director and Water Resources Manager.

“I am proud of my many accomplishments at the City and have greatly enjoyed working for such a wonderful organization for so many years. I will sincerely miss the amazing staff I work with every day,” Ms. Bjork said.

During her tenure, Ms. Bjork responded to numerous emergencies, starting with the Painted Cave Fire in 1990. She played an important role in assisting businesses in returning to Coast Village Road after the Thomas Fire, including providing mutual aid to Montecito by sending water distribution staff to assist in the restoration of the water system in our neighboring community.

In addition, some of Ms. Bjork’s many achievements include:

• Facilitation of several restricted income housing projects
• Negotiation of a 50-year water sales agreement with the Montecito Water District
• Heading significant efforts to improve the efficiency and work processes in the Public Works Department

Mayor Randy Rowse said that Ms. Bjork has served the City with exemplary dedication and capability through complex times as the administration navigated COVID, financial challenges, and staffing issues.

“My confidence in Ms. Bjork’s leadership and decision making is unwavering. Her management policies within the organization have ensured that the cupboard is not bare, and that our departments have solid continuing structures,” he said. “While I’m sad to see her go, I’m also grateful on behalf of the City for Ms. Bjork’s decades of service and passion for Santa Barbara.

The City Council will discuss the process of recruitment for the next City Administrator.