Anuj Gupta has been selected at the City of Santa Monica’s new Deputy City Manager and Director of Policy. Gupta is a Santa Monican and is currently working as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s General Counsel in the Office of Immigrant Affairs. He previously worked for the Obama White House and with the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Anuj stood out because of the extraordinary range of policy experience that he brings from both the local and federal level,” said Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole. “I’m especially proud that he and his family have made Santa Monica their home, because he brings a genuine passion for serving this community. Anuj is deeply committed to inclusiveness and equity for all, with a strong track record of citizen engagement.”
Gupta will spearhead the development and implementation of policy initiatives to achieve greater community wellbeing, environmental sustainability, economic vitality, and social equity, according to the City. He will manage special projects requiring multi-stakeholder coordination as well as efforts to promote, measure, and achieve the City Council’s five strategic goals, the City said.
“As a Santa Monica resident and parent, I am deeply invested in the future of our great city, and I believe there is truly no better place to live, work, learn, and play,” said Gupta. “I’m delighted to join the City’s team in advancing innovative and progressive policies that will ensure Santa Monica remains a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community, and a model for dynamic 21st century governance.”
Gupta worked for the Office of Legal Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice prior to working in the Obama White House as Associate Staff Secretary with primary responsibility for all presidential policy briefing and decision memos. He also worked on President Obama’s 2008 campaign.
His start date with Santa Monica is September 25, 2017 with a salary of $176,004.
Photo: City of Santa Monica.
