Veteran legislative leader named Costa Mesa’s new Governmental Affairs Manager

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison announced that veteran legislative affairs leader, Jay Barkman, has been named the City’s new Governmental Affairs Manager.

“We are looking forward to having Jay fill this much-needed role to build even stronger relationships with other government agencies and our elected officials at the County, State and Federal levels,” Farrell Harrison said. “Jay will also be a huge asset in helping the City build short and long-term legislative priorities under the policy direction of the Mayor and City Council and City leadership.”

Barkman has 25 years of legislative experience and comes to Costa Mesa from the Orange County Fire Authority where he held the title of Legislative Affairs Manager/Grant Administrator and worked on Federal processes to secure legislation and increased funding for OCFA and the region’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, among other priorities.

“I am honored to have this exciting opportunity to serve the Mayor and City Council and leadership team here at Costa Mesa and most importantly work to benefit all city residents,” Barkman said. “As a student at Orange Coast College and a regional partner with OCFA, I’ve witnessed Costa Mesa flourish to become a destination where people want to live, work, and play. I look forward to helping the City achieve its strategic plan goals through its legislative priorities and platform.” 

Barkman previously worked as a Senior Consultant for the Assembly Housing Committee and he started his career as a Legislative Aide for the California State Assembly.

In this role, he will he work closely with the City Manager and Council to plan, implement and respond to local, State and Federal legislative, regulatory and policy priorities affecting the City of Costa Mesa.

He will be in close communication with Congressional and State legislative and municipal government offices. He will also be instrumental in coordinating efforts with the City’s lobbyists to acquire additional grant funding for the City’s various departments and initiatives.

In his previous roles, Barkman’s professional achievements include securing $4.5 million for OCFA from Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris and $16.95 million for OCFA from Senator Dave Min.

Barkman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Cal State Fullerton.