Jeff Murphy Named Encinitas Planning and Building Director

Jeff Murphy, a seasoned professional in his field, has been named Planning and Building Director. He will oversee a $5.8 million budget and the operations and staff of five divisions: 

1) Customer Service/Administration
2) Current Planning
3) Advance Planning
4) Code Enforcement
5) Building.

Prior to joining the City, Murphy served the County of San Diego beginning in 2000 in a progressive array of planning positions during which time he amassed wide-ranging experience. He oversaw several land development divisions and coordinated more than 100 employees. Most recently, he served as Chief of Advance Planning for the County’s Planning and Development Services Division, which was responsible for maintaining and updating the County’s long-range plans, programs and ordinances. Previously, he was employed by KPMG in San Diego.

Among Murphy’s specialized areas of expertise and interest is environmental and community planning. During his County tenure, he created the Policy and Ordinance Development Division, which formulated and amended policy in areas such as environmental planning, land development, zoning and land use regulation/enforcement.  

Murphy says he is happy to take the reins of what he calls “an exciting opportunity” as head of Planning and Building. He notes, “Encinitas is a beautiful city with unique communities that have their own individual character and quality. I am eager to share my lessons learned from past experiences and partner with stakeholders to help tackle the City’s land use challenges. I also look forward to working with the staff and stakeholders on finding  ways and seizing opportunities to streamline permit processes by removing redundancies and reducing costs without sacrificing health, safety or quality of life.”

City Manager Gus Vina states, “Jeff’s knowledge of the principles and practices of organizational management budgeting, administration and personnel management – as well as his excellent interpersonal communication skills – will be invaluable as Encinitas moves forward with projects, including long-range planning.”

Murphy earned a B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with an emphasis in City Planning. A native San Diegan, he currently lives in San Diego with his wife, also, a native San Diegan, and their two children.