Santa Barbara has hired Anthony Valdez as deputy city administrator.

“I’m honored to join the City of Santa Barbara at such a pivotal time,” Valdez said in a prepared statement. “This community is known for its beauty, vibrancy and civic spirit — and I’m excited to help shape a future that reflects those values.”

Valdez was formerly the city manager for Bakersfield. He has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco.

“With Anthony’s leadership, we’re not just filling a new position — we’re building a new foundation for how we serve our community,” City Administrator Kelly McAdoo said in a prepared statement. “His experience and energy will be invaluable.”

He is set to begin in his new role on Sept. 15.

The role will consolidate programs previously housed in the Public Works and Community Development departments, such as housing and human services, affordable housing, community grants, rental housing mediation, homelessness services and the State Street Master Plan, under the control of the City Administrator’s Office.

McAdoo also recently brought the downtown parking division and other functions under her control.

“This new structure allows us to take a more collaborative, strategic approach to some of the most complex and urgent challenges facing our city,” McAdoo said in a prepared statement. “By elevating these programs and aligning them under a single leader, we’re positioning Santa Barbara to make meaningful progress on housing, homelessness, and downtown revitalization.”