City of Chula Vista, CA
09/30/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2025 15:49
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
The City of Chula Vista is pleased to announce the appointment of Roy Sapa'u as its new Director of Development Services. Sapa'u brings more than 25 years of professional planning and city management experience, most recently serving as Deputy City Manager for the City of Encinitas.
Born in American Samoa and raised in Southern California, Sapa'u's career path began as an intern at the City of Encinitas, where he advanced through the planning ranks to eventually lead the Development Services Department. During his tenure, he guided complex planning initiatives, fostered community partnerships, and oversaw major development projects that shaped the city's growth and character.
Sapa'u said he was drawn to Chula Vista by both the scope of its innovative projects and its leadership team.
"Chula Vista is at the forefront of innovation with projects like the University Innovation District and the Bayfront development," Sapa'u said. "As a planner, it's a dream to help shape projects of this scale that will define the city for generations."
As Development Services Director, Sapa'u's top priority will be cultivating a supportive culture for staff while advancing the priorities of the City Council and the community. He emphasized the importance of making the department a partner to residents and businesses.
"Our role is to help people navigate the development process," Sapa'u explained. "Whether someone is opening a business or building their dream home, we want to be the guides who help them get to the finish line while balancing community needs and long-term sustainability."
Sapa'u holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Analysis and Design from the University of California, Irvine. A lifelong learner with a passion for collaboration, he said he is eager to engage directly with residents, developers, and business leaders to ensure projects reflect Chula Vista's values and character.
"Roy's experience and collaborative spirit make him a great addition for our City," City Manager Maria V. Kachadoorian said. "We are excited to have him guiding the City's development efforts during this transformative time of growth."
Born in American Samoa and raised in Southern California, Sapa'u's career path began as an intern at the City of Encinitas, where he advanced through the planning ranks to eventually lead the Development Services Department. During his tenure, he guided complex planning initiatives, fostered community partnerships, and oversaw major development projects that shaped the city's growth and character.
Sapa'u said he was drawn to Chula Vista by both the scope of its innovative projects and its leadership team.
"Chula Vista is at the forefront of innovation with projects like the University Innovation District and the Bayfront development," Sapa'u said. "As a planner, it's a dream to help shape projects of this scale that will define the city for generations."
As Development Services Director, Sapa'u's top priority will be cultivating a supportive culture for staff while advancing the priorities of the City Council and the community. He emphasized the importance of making the department a partner to residents and businesses.
"Our role is to help people navigate the development process," Sapa'u explained. "Whether someone is opening a business or building their dream home, we want to be the guides who help them get to the finish line while balancing community needs and long-term sustainability."
Sapa'u holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Analysis and Design from the University of California, Irvine. A lifelong learner with a passion for collaboration, he said he is eager to engage directly with residents, developers, and business leaders to ensure projects reflect Chula Vista's values and character.
"Roy's experience and collaborative spirit make him a great addition for our City," City Manager Maria V. Kachadoorian said. "We are excited to have him guiding the City's development efforts during this transformative time of growth."
City of Chula Vista, CA published this content on September 30, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 30, 2025 at 21:49 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]