Carlsbad announces appointment of assistant city manager Jeff Patineau as incoming city manager; outgoing manager honored

The City Council reported in open session that, in a closed session earlier that day, it decided to appoint assistant city manager Jeff Patineau as city manager, effective Dec. 18, 2024. The mayor said the appointment is subject to formal action on an employment contract, which the council will consider at next week's meeting.

Mayor Keith Blackburn read a proclamation recognizing outgoing City Manager Scott Chadwick for seven years of service to Carlsbad (six as city manager), listing accomplishments that included expanded parks, public safety initiatives, a long‑term strategic plan, an open records portal and a municipal high‑speed fiber network. Multiple councilmembers and staff thanked Chadwick; Chadwick gave brief remarks expressing gratitude, praised staff and noted he has worked closely with Jeff Patineau for nearly five years.

What the council announced: The mayor said the appointment decision was made in closed session and that a public vote on an employment contract will follow. The council did not vote on the employment contract at this meeting.

Why this matters: A city manager transition changes executive leadership for municipal operations; the council signaled a near‑term implementation date but deferred the formal employment contract to a future meeting.

Next steps: The mayor said the employment contract for Jeff Patineau will be on next week’s agenda for formal action; staff and council will handle the transition and any administrative tasks associated with the change in leadership.