City Council Appoints Rebecca Bjork as City Administrator

The City Council appointed Rebecca Bjork as City Administrator. Ms. Bjork brings extensive knowledge of City operations and a successful track record of accomplishments in the day-to-day management of the City operations.

Ms. Bjork has served as interim City Administrator since September 11, 2021.

“We are pleased to appoint Rebecca Bjork to the role of City Administrator. Her performance in the interim capacity has been accomplished and progressive and we have every confidence that her experience, management skills, and dedication will continue to be an asset to the City of Santa Barbara," said Mayor Randy Rowse.

Ms. Bjork has worked with the City of Santa Barbara for more than 33 years. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Interim Community Development Director, where she initiated work with the Council Sub-Committee to simplify the land development process, and was instrumental in the work to address homelessness and homeless encampments during the pandemic. Prior to that, she spent five years as Public Works Director overseeing the largest City department, with seven divisions, nearly 300 employees and a budget totaling $138 million. Among her accomplishments, she directed staff in the implementation and execution of the Measure C Capital Improvement Program for Infrastructure.

From 2007 to 2014, she served as Water Resources Manager with responsibility for water and wastewater utilities, which included the operation and maintenance of the Cater Water Treatment Plant and the El Estero Wastewater Treatment Plant. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in various renewal and replacement projects for water and wastewater mains, street infrastructure, and major facilities to extend the life of the City’s essential infrastructure. Ms. Bjork holds a BA in Biology and Environmental Studies from Grinnell and an MPA from Cal State Northridge.

“It’s an honor to continue to serve the community in the role of City Administrator. We have exciting opportunities and challenges facing us in the coming years. I’m very fortunate to be supported by City employees who provide the public with exemplary service, on all levels.