Oliver Chi, the city manager of Irvine, is stepping down from his role to take up the same position in Santa Monica, city officials confirmed this week. Chi, who has led Irvine since 2021, will assume his new post in early July, pending final approval from the Santa Monica City Council.
Key Points:
- Oliver Chi to leave Irvine after nearly 4 years as city manager
- Will become Santa Monica’s new city manager
- His departure follows a closed-session vote by Santa Monica officials
- Chi is known for infrastructure leadership and community engagement
- An interim city manager will be appointed in Irvine
👔 Chi’s Tenure in Irvine
Chi was appointed city manager of Irvine in 2021 and has overseen major infrastructure projects, budget management, and community planning initiatives. During his tenure, he was praised for modernizing city operations and advancing climate and transportation policies.
His leadership has been particularly visible in housing policy discussions and economic development strategies in one of California’s fastest-growing cities.
🌊 New Role in Santa Monica
Santa Monica officials selected Chi after a national search. He’s expected to begin the job in early July, replacing interim city manager David White. The City Council expressed confidence in Chi’s ability to handle Santa Monica’s complex governance issues, including homelessness, housing, and sustainability.
Summary
Irvine City Manager Oliver Chi is set to lead Santa Monica, bringing with him a track record of strategic urban planning and civic innovation. His exit marks a leadership transition for both cities.
