Newport Beach assistant city manager leaves for private sector, timeline for new hire uncertain

Newport Beach City Council members and staff said their goodbyes to Assistant City Manager Carol Jacobs at what would be her last council meeting Sept. 28.

Jacobs is leaving for a job in the private sector, city officials said. City spokesman John Pope confirmed that her last day would be Oct. 8.

She first came to the city in 2015.

“We would be remiss if we didn’t pause to recognize Carol for her six years of service to our community,” said Mayor Brad Avery late last month. “We are certainly going to miss her ... since 2015, Carol has managed a variety of high-profile programs here at the city — projects and issues, working closely with all city departments.”

Avery credited Jacobs with having established and managed the city’s response to homelessness with the homelessness task force, for working on the city’s partnership with Costa Mesa on a bridge shelter that opened earlier this year and for working on future plans to build permanent supportive housing in Newport Beach.

Additionally, she worked with the City Council to establish the city’s harbor department, which first came into conception in 2018, and was “instrumental” in the acquisition in the development of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter among other responsibilities and efforts in departments citywide, according to Avery.

Prior to her time in Newport Beach, Jacobs was city manager in Stanton and Eastvale and also once served as an interim city manager in Grand Terrace. Jacobs was also part of the city of Costa Mesa’s staff.

“I have come to love the community and all of the exceptional employees who work here. This community is blessed with natural beauty, amazing amenities and a wonderful environment for everyone to enjoy the highest quality of life,” Jacobs said in an email, adding she was thankful to City Manager Grace Leung, former City Manager Dave Kiff and the management team.

“I have enjoyed our time together and wish you only the best as you continue to make the city of Newport the best it can be,” said Jacobs.

Pope said there is no timeline for how or when the new assistant city manager will be hired.

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