The Ventura City Council has appointed Andy Heglund as its new city attorney. Heglund replaces Gregory Diaz, who retired in February.
“After a highly competitive, open recruitment process, the Ventura City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Heglund as our new city attorney,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava.
“With more than 10 years of public service experience, plus nearly 10 years in private sector litigation practice, Andy is extensively qualified to serve as our chief legal advisor and represent the city’s legal interests,” she said.
In addition to serving as the chief legal advisor for the City Council, Heglund oversees a team of legal professionals and support staff who handle all aspects of municipal law supporting the city’s various departments. This includes advising the City Council; the city’s commissions, boards and committees, and city staff on a wide variety of legal matters.
“I am honored to be appointed as the City Attorney and work with the City Council, staff, and our talented team in the Attorney’s Office in serving our community,” said City Attorney Andy Heglund. “I am excited to take on this leadership role and continue working for an organization that’s dedicated to providing a high quality of life in the City of Ventura.”
Before coming to Ventura, Heglund was a deputy city attorney in Bakersfield, California, for eight years, where he worked primarily in land development and public works. He also negotiated and drafted a management agreement for a city-owned venue, developed a policy for attaching cellphone antennas to streetlights, and managed the city’s legal efforts for a nearly billion-dollar freeway expansion program.
Heglund started with the Ventura City Attorney’s Office in July 2019 as the senior assistant city attorney for transactions with an emphasis on planning and public works. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College and a law degree from Regent University.
Since February, Heglund has served as the interim city attorney. Some of his notable projects include the Olivas Park Drive Development Agreement, Fire Prone Area Zone Ordinance, Veteran’s Housing Project, and Main Street Moves.
For more about the City Attorney’s Office, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov.