Here is Clem Brown
The Sandpiper sat down with new Assistant City Manager Clem Brown to talk about his background, his family, and the challenges he faces in his new job.
Sandpiper: Tell us a little bit about your background and your qualifications for your new role.
Clem: I grew up between the Washington DC area and southeast Virginia. I went to college in Virginia and moved back to Washington DC for graduate school, where I earned my Master of Public Administration. My first job was with the Department of the Interior where I gained insight into how government functions and politics. Eventually, I moved to San Diego and worked for the City of San Diego for almost 10 years before joining the City Manager’s team in Del Mar a little over five years ago. My work as the Environmental Sustainability and Special Project Manager in the City Manager’s Office really prepared me for my current position. In that role I was responsible for implementing major special projects and City Council initiatives, such as launching of the Clean Energy Alliance, negotiating the City’s new solid waste contract, and managing the City’s legislative affairs, real estate assets and emergency preparedness programs.
Sandpiper: What makes working the city special to you?
Clem: I really enjoy working with a dedicated team of city staff members who interact well, collaborate, and deliver outstanding service to our community. Del Mar is unique in that we have a high level of citizen involvement and they expect the best of us. We strive to meet their expectations.
Sandpiper: What are the biggest challenges for Del Mar?
Clem: Three of the biggest challenges facing Del Mar are meeting our state mandated housing goals, which includes the development of affordable housing; dealing with railroad issues including bluff stabilization, fencing, and the proposed tunnel; and moving forward on adaption strategies for sea level rise.
Sandpiper: Tell us about your family and leisure activities.
Clem: My wife Abby and I have two young daughters: Madeleine (6) and Claire (4). We live just up the road in the City of Encinitas and love our community. In our spare time we enjoy hiking, camping and sunny days at the beach.
Sandpiper: Are you looking forward to resuming face-to-face meetings?
Clem: Absolutely! It will be exciting to get back into Town Hall for public meetings and to present issues and recommendations to improve Del Mar directly to the City Council and the community.
