City Administration

James Vanderpool is Anaheim's city manager since September 2020.

As city manager, Vanderpool is responsible for the daily operations of one of California’s largest cities with a $1.9 billion annual budget, nearly 340,000 residents, 20,000 businesses and 25 million yearly visitors.

Vanderpool works directly with Anaheim’s mayor and City Council to implement their policy direction for the city.

He also oversees 11 city departments, including Anaheim Public Utilities, the Anaheim Police Department, Anaheim Fire & Rescue and Convention, Sports & Entertainment, operator of the Anaheim Convention Center.

Vanderpool previously served as Buena Park city manager from 2012 to 2020 and was with Anaheim’s neighboring city for 25 years.

Before becoming Buena Park city manager, Vanderpool served as deputy city manager and assistant city manager for the city, as well as working in the city’s Public Works Department.

He was brought on to Anaheim in part based on his work in Buena Park, a city that plays host to millions of yearly visitors to Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City and Buena Park’s revitalized section of Beach Boulevard.

Vanderpool holds a bachelor’s in public administration from Purdue University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix.