The City of Bakersfield is pleased to announce that Phil Burns has been promoted to development services director, effective July 15.
Burns has worked for the City for the last 27 years, including the last 18 as building director in the Development Services Department.
“I’m thrilled to serve our community in this new role,” Burns said of his promotion. “Bakersfield is currently engaged in pivotal projects, including the General Plan and the Housing Element, which will shape our community’s future for the next two decades.
“It is a true honor to collaborate with such a dedicated staff, community groups, and citizens to realize our community’s vision through these important initiatives. Together, we will work tirelessly to bring the desires and aspirations of our residents to fruition.”
Originally from Wasco, Burns attended Bakersfield College before earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Before heading off to Cal Poly, Burns worked for the City’s Public Works Department as a temporary draftsman and computer drafting technician for more than four years, giving him 31 years of experience working for the City.
During his time with Bakersfield, Burns has served in a number of roles in the Development Services Department, including engineer II, civil engineer III, permit and plan check manager, assistant building directo, and building director.
“Phil has a wealth of knowledge and a great understanding of the City and our Development Services Department,” said City Manager Christian Clegg. “As the City continues to grow, and as we continue to make Bakersfield the most business-friendly City in California, Phil’s solution-oriented development experience and his ability to lead will be of great benefit to not only our team but to our community.”
Burns succeeds Chris Boyle, who retired as the City’s development services director on July 5. Boyle served in that capacity since October 2019.