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City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison named Management Analyst Sergio Escobar as the City Manager Leadership Award for the month of March.
“When I was first hired, the City Council tasked me with building a strong relationship with our Latino community,” Farrell Harrison said. “Sergio has been at the forefront of that effort. It is such a blessing that he came to the City Manager’s Office. He has done nothing but excel since that time. He is so beloved by all of us. I am so thrilled to present him with this award.”
Escobar started with City of Costa Mesa in 2021, serving as a City Council Aide and promoted to Management Analyst in 2024. Before joining the City of Costa Mesa, Escobar began his public service journey in various public agencies such as the Orange County Transportation Authority, City of Newport Beach and in his hometown, the City of Santa Ana.
In his current capacity, Escobar is key member of the Constituent Services Team, serving as the liaison to the Mayor and City Council, he provides a superior level of customer service by collaborating with city departments to respond to community concerns efficiently and effectively, ensuring that residents receive the support and assistance they need.
His passion for community outreach and engagement is evident in his work across some of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods, including Shalimar, Filmore, Mendoza, and Center Street. Escobar has built trust and made strong connections with community groups such as Costa Mesa Unidos, Las Promotoras, and Resilience OC.
Beyond his strong efforts to uplift the community, Escobar serves as a key liaison to the Mayor and City Council, assisting with initiatives that support residents and create meaningful policy changes.
A prime example of his exemplary work in promoting inclusive and equitable access to housing and social services. His efforts to spread awareness about Project Food Box have helped many seniors and families struggling with food insecurity receive essential support. With a deep commitment to serving the most vulnerable residents, Escobar has also played an instrumental role in the development and launching of the City’s Tenant Protection and Rental Assistance program, ensuring that tenants understand their rights and have access to necessary resources and services.
Most notably, Escobar provided critical support to the Shalimar Park Expansion Project and Relocation Plan, which presented the City with a unique opportunity to acquire a property adjacent to the Shalimar Park, allowing for the possible expansion of the park’s footprint in a park deficient neighborhood.
Additionally, the project includes the relocation of existing residents, improving their housing needs by providing housing units at the City owned James Street property units and providing financial assistance to those tenants wishing to relocate. Escobar’s approach and tact in handling the sensitivity of the tenants has made it a seamless and thoughtful process.
His compassion and empathy for the Costa Mesa community has gained him respect and recognition amongst residents, City Council, and his peers.
He has a bachelor’s degree in public administration and is in his final semester pursuing a master’s degree in public administration, both from Cal State Fullerton.