The city manager praised her leadership style, saying, “More than her technical expertise and deep familiarity with Santa Monica, to me, what stands out most about Jing is her humble, people-centered approach”
City Manager Oliver Chi announced the appointment of Jing Yeo as the new director of the Community Development Department, effective immediately.
Yeo, who has served the city since 2006 and held the role of planning manager since 2016, stepped in as interim director following the retirement of longtime Director David Martin in December 2024. Her new position comes with a salary of $264,912.
Chi praised Yeo’s leadership style, saying, “More than her technical expertise and deep familiarity with Santa Monica, to me, what stands out most about Jing is her humble, people-centered approach to leadership. I am confident that under Jing’s leadership, the Community Development Department will not only achieve great outcomes for the community, but will also strengthen the foundation of our city organization.”
Yeo brings a strong academic background to the role, holding a bachelor’s degree in urban and economic geography from the University of British Columbia and a master’s degree in planning and urban design from the University of Toronto.
