Mission Statement

Provide correct, helpful, timely and cost-effective legal representation and advice to the City Council and all City officers and staff in all matters of law pertaining to the functioning of the City.

About the City Attorney

The City Attorney Department is responsible for representation and advice to the City Council, the Redevelopment Agency, Boards, Commissions and all City officers and staff in all matters of law pertaining to the City.

These responsibilities include, but are not limited to: attending City Council, Planning Commission and other board and commission meetings as needed; annually handling over one thousand opinion requests and other assignments involving necessary legal work; and weekly agenda preparation and review of items that come before City Council and Planning Commission.  In addition, the office is responsible for all City code enforcement and litigation services.

The office is staffed by six attorneys (the City Attorney and five assistants) and 5 clerical staff, which function as a close team. Many assignments cross over into several departments (e.g., Public Works, Community Development, Risk Management, Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire departments). Attorneys work cooperatively on complex matters such as the negotiations for Airport property development, redevelopment projects, affordable housing project, major land use, environmental and water law issues, and complex litigation.