The City of Moorpark has announced the appointment of Douglas Spondello as the City’s next community development director, effective April 2, 2024. As director, Spondello will oversee the City’s Planning, Building & Safety, Housing, Economic Development, Code Compliance, and Business Registration operations.
Following a distinguished planning career with the City of Oxnard, Spondello joined the City of Moorpark in 2019 as its planning manager and was promoted to deputy community development director in 2021. During his tenure, Spondello oversaw Moorpark’s first-ever comprehensive General Plan Update, a multi-year effort that resulted in the 2023 adoption of the City’s award-winning “General Plan 2050,” while leading a team that has successfully worked with developers to propose quality projects that match the City’s community planning efforts, including the Hitch Ranch, High Street Depot, and North Ranch projects.
“Thanks to the community’s tremendous input into its updated General Plan, Moorpark is primed to offer its residents and businesses an unparalleled quality of life,” said Spondello. “I’m excited to lead a team that is tasked with making Moorpark’s vision for the future a reality.”
A lifelong resident of Ventura County, Spondello holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Loyola Marymount University and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge. He is also certified by the prestigious American Institute of Certified Planners, recognized for meeting their highest professional and ethical standards.
City Manager Troy Brown thanked Spondello for his contributions to the Moorpark community, noting: “Douglas’s leadership has enhanced relationships with our residents and our business community by focusing on listening, collaboration, and innovation.” Spondello has led successful efforts to modernize and streamline permitting processes, inspection processes, and environmental reviews. He also played a key role in the rollout of online permitting options during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Even if you don’t visit City Hall every day,” added Brown, “you can see the results of Douglas’s efforts by just heading down High Street and Princeton Avenue.”