Huntington Beach appoints former public works director as assistant city manager

Huntington Beach has a new assistant city manager, but he’s a familiar face around City Hall.

The City Council voted 6-0 on Monday, with Councilman Mike Posey absent, to make Travis Hopkins, the acting assistant city manager, a permanent member of the city manager’s office.

Hopkins was the city public works director before transitioning to his new role in May.

“I’m excited to work with the City Council, with our new city manager, Oliver Chi, and all of our other directors and chiefs of the various departments to work to serve the residents of Huntington Beach,” Hopkins said Tuesday.

Hopkins, a Fountain Valley resident, joined Huntington Beach in 2006 as a city engineer with the Public Works Department and was promoted to public works director in 2007.

At Monday’s council meeting, he received praise for his service to the city.

Councilman Patrick Brenden noted Hopkins’ 12-year tenure as director.

“It shows a stability and a lack of always trying to look for the next position,” Brenden said. “It’s always been about doing the job and doing it well.”

“We have so much confidence in the people you left behind you in public works,” Brenden added. “I know that your talent is just seen every day in many ways.”

Councilwoman Kim Carr said Hopkins’ appointment is “well-deserved” and called him “thoughtful and considerate” in his interactions with the council, staff and community members.

“I fully expect you to one day be a city manager,” Carr said. “I appreciate every day that you are here with us serving our community, because I know you truly care.”

Mayor Lyn Semeta told Hopkins, “You’ll be perfect for this role.”

Hopkins said he has “enjoyed working for the city the past 13 years and I look forward to the future here.”

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.