By City Manager Ken Striplin
Did you know the City of Santa Clarita is supported by nearly 500 full-time employees working across 20 divisions in eight departments? Each of these professionals has a defined role and a clear responsibility: to deliver programs, services, infrastructure and projects that directly benefit Santa Clarita residents. From public safety and transportation to planning, recreation and communications, this work happens every day, often behind the scenes, with one goal in mind—serving the community efficiently and responsibly.
The City’s You’ve Got a Friend at City Hall campaign was created to connect faces to those who do the work. The campaign introduces residents to the people who keep the City running. These employees are not only public servants, but also neighbors, parents, coaches and volunteers. Through this effort, residents gain a better understanding of what each division does, how those services impact daily life and how to access City resources when they are needed.
One recent spotlight focused on the City’s Transit Division. Santa Clarita Transit provides fast, reliable transportation options designed to move people efficiently throughout the Valley and beyond. From Commuter Express routes to regional destinations, to the flexible Go! Santa Clarita service, the Beach Bus and the Summer Trolley, the Transit Division offers practical alternatives to driving. These services help reduce congestion, eliminate parking challenges and provide safe, dependable mobility for residents of all ages. Whether you are a daily rider or exploring transit options for the first time, assistance is available by calling (661) 294-1BUS (1287) or visiting SantaClaritaTransit.com.
The next division the campaign will highlight is Traffic and Transportation. This team is responsible for improving traffic flow and planning for the City’s long-term transportation needs. Their work includes signal timing, speed limit analysis, battery backup systems, traffic data collection and the development of alternative transportation options, such as walking and cycling routes along the City’s extensive paseo network. Their efforts are essential to keeping Santa Clarita moving safely and efficiently as the community continues to grow.
Residents can also engage directly with City staff through You’ve Got a Friend at City Hall Instagram takeovers. During these takeovers, employees share insight into their daily responsibilities, answer questions and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how City services operate. From maintaining transit buses and managing fleet purchases to planning review, communications work and daily routines, these stories provide transparency and a better understanding of how City Hall functions.
By following the City of Santa Clarita on social media, residents can stay informed, meet the professionals who serve the community and learn how to access the full range of services and resources available. The campaign reinforces a simple message: City Hall is staffed by people who are committed, capable and working every day on behalf of Santa Clarita.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
