ENCINITAS — The Encinitas City Council voted unanimously Wednesday evening to appoint Jennifer Campbell as the city's permanent City Manager, ending a search that began when former manager Pamela Antil departed in late 2024. Campbell, who has served as Interim City Manager since December, will now lead the day-to-day operations of the coastal city of 63,000 residents.
Campbell brings more than 30 years of local government experience to the role, having previously served in senior administrative positions in multiple Southern California municipalities. Her tenure as interim was marked by a steady hand during a period of political transition, as a new mayor and council members took office.
Mayor Bruce Ehlers praised Campbell following the vote, saying she had demonstrated exactly the kind of leadership Encinitas needs — collaborative, experienced, and attentive to the community. The council, he noted, has full confidence in her ability to guide the city through the challenges ahead.
Priorities for the City
In her remarks to the council, Campbell outlined several key priorities for her tenure:
- Infrastructure Investment: Addressing aging roads and stormwater systems with limited revenue following the failure of Measure K.
- Housing Compliance: Navigating the city's complex relationship with state housing mandates while preserving community character.
- Public Safety: Enhancing fire prevention and emergency preparedness, particularly in wildfire-prone areas.
Campbell expressed her gratitude for the council's trust, calling Encinitas a special place. She described her role as ensuring city operations run efficiently so that elected officials can focus on the policy vision residents expect, and said she was ready to get to work.
Campbell's contract includes a base salary competitive with comparable coastal cities in San Diego County. She officially assumes the permanent role effective immediately.