Santa Monica Selects Oliver Chi as New City Manager

News Summary

The Santa Monica City Council has announced the appointment of Oliver Chi as the new city manager. Chi, currently the city manager of Irvine, will take over on July 14, pending contract approval. With over 20 years in municipal leadership and significant projects in Irvine, Chi faces challenges ahead, including a $789.9 million city budget and ongoing legal issues.

Santa Monica – The Santa Monica City Council has officially announced the selection of Oliver Chi as the new city manager, concluding a comprehensive nationwide search for the position. Chi, who currently serves as the city manager of Irvine, will begin his new role on July 14, pending the council’s approval of his contract during a meeting scheduled for May 27.

Chi’s appointment follows a thorough recruitment process that started in March, which included a national job posting and several rounds of interviews. He will receive an annual salary of $410,604 and will take over the position from Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek, who stepped in following the resignation of former city manager David White in February.

Having extensive experience in municipal leadership, Chi has spent over two decades in government roles. Before his tenure in Irvine, he held positions in Huntington Beach, Monrovia, Rosemead, and Barstow. His previous work in Irvine included managing significant projects such as the $1.2 billion expansion of the Great Park and the $600 million Gateway Village project, further establishing his credentials for the Santa Monica role.

Responsibilities Ahead

In Santa Monica, Chi will be responsible for overseeing a city budget of approximately $789.9 million and managing more than 2,000 municipal employees. His role will involve addressing pressing needs within the city, including financial challenges and ongoing legal issues linked to child abuse lawsuits.

Background and Credentials

Chi holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA. He is married to Bobbie Jo, with whom he has two children, Ian (12) and Avery (8). His diverse educational and professional background positions him well for the challenges ahead in Santa Monica.

Praise and Expectations

Mayor Lana Negrete has emphasized Chi’s talent, skills, and vision, expressing confidence that he will effectively address the city’s needs and provide leadership moving forward. As the first Asian American city manager in Santa Monica’s history, Chi’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the city.

Future Challenges

While Chi comes with a wealth of experience, his leadership has faced both support and criticism during his previous roles, notably in Huntington Beach and Rosemead. This context sets the stage for what may be a complex transition as he takes on the myriad challenges facing Santa Monica, including its financial landscape and the management of persistent legal disputes.

Chi’s selection signals an era of potential change and development for Santa Monica, as the city looks for innovative solutions and strives to enhance its commitment to progressive values and civic engagement.

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Santa Monica Appoints Oliver Chi as New City Manager

Additional Resources

• Santa Monica Daily Press
• Santa Monica Mirror
• Orange County Register
• MSN News
• Wikipedia: Santa Monica