Longtime city official assumes permanent role after serving as acting city manager.
The Huntington Beach City Council has appointed Travis Hopkins as the new city manager, formalizing his role after he served as acting city manager since November 2024. Hopkins, who has been with the city for 18 years, previously held positions as assistant city manager, public works director, and city engineer.
Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark praised Hopkins’ extensive knowledge of city operations, stating, “His expertise and broad understanding of multifaceted issues have greatly contributed to the city’s success and efficiency.”
The city council’s decision to promote Hopkins comes after a period of administrative changes, with four individuals holding the city manager position in the past five years. Following the resignation of former city manager Al Zelinka in November 2023, Police Chief Eric Parra served as interim city manager until Hopkins’ appointment as acting city manager in November 2024.
Hopkins’ appointment aims to provide stability and continuity to Huntington Beach’s administration, leveraging his extensive experience within the city’s departments.
