For more than 30 years, Jeff has dedicated his career to responsibly planning and developing our communities. A land use attorney and professional urban planner, he knows what it takes to make cities and neighborhoods thrive. He brings a unique perspective to governance, shaped by his hands-on experience as a City Councilmember, Planning Commissioner, planning director of a state land conservancy, and environmental consultant.

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A thoughtful and pragmatic community leader, Jeff has a strong record advocating for and delivering for his constituents, including new housing, parks, bike lanes, upgraded streets, and investments in public safety. With his leadership, the Costa Mesa City Council passed balanced budgets every year.

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Jeff and his wife Melinda have been proud residents of Eastside Costa Mesa for 20 years, raising their daughters Sophie and Evie at our local public schools. Jeff served on the Board of the Costa Mesa Community Foundation for 8 years, coached AYSO soccer, and continues to  mentor juniors at Newport Harbor High School. Additionally, Jeff wrote a weekly column for the Los Angeles Times' Daily Pilot newspaper (2010-2012) where he covered civic affairs, urban planning, and business.

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A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied architecture and environmental design, Jeff earned his law degree from Vermont Law School, with a focus on environmental law.