During her tenure with the city, von Tongeln has represented Santa Monica in both litigation and transactional matters and has advised the city’s boards and commissions.
The Santa Monica City Council appointed Heidi von Tongeln as the city’s next city attorney following a nationwide recruitment process.
Von Tongeln will assume the role upon the City Council’s formal approval of her contract on March 24. Her annual salary will be $395,352.
Von Tongeln has served as interim city attorney since September 2025 after the departure of former City Attorney Doug Sloan. She brings nearly two decades of experience in municipal law and has worked in the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office since 2012. She has served as chief deputy city attorney since 2022 and began acting in the top role in mid-August.
During her tenure with the city, von Tongeln has represented Santa Monica in both litigation and transactional matters and has advised the city’s boards and commissions.
Mayor Caroline Torosis praised the appointment, calling von Tongeln “an incredible leader and a proven advisor.”
“Her experience, professionalism and deep commitment to public service will be a tremendous asset to our community,” Torosis said. “This role is essential to ensuring the city operates with transparency, integrity and sound legal guidance. I’m confident her leadership will strengthen our ability to serve residents and support the city’s continued progress.”
Before joining Santa Monica, von Tongeln worked as a deputy city attorney for three municipalities and served as assistant legal counsel to redevelopment agencies, joint powers authorities and special districts while at the law firm Green, de Bortnowsky & Quintanilla LLP.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and French from Pepperdine University and a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.
“I’m honored by the opportunity to serve as city attorney and grateful for the trust placed in me by the city’s leadership,” von Tongeln said. “I look forward to working alongside the mayor, councilmembers, city staff and the community to provide thoughtful legal guidance and support the city’s work on behalf of its residents.”
