KEN STRIPLIN: Leading Santa Clarita Forward

If you’ve attended a community event, listened to a City podcast, visited one of our parks or enjoyed one of the many amenities that make Santa Clarita special, you’ve experienced the impact of City Manager Ken Striplin’s leadership. Known for his commitment to public service and genuine love for the community, Striplin has spent nearly three decades helping shape the City he proudly calls home. Working under the leadership of the Santa Clarita City Council, he has served as City Manager since 2012, guiding Santa Clarita through a period of remarkable innovation and community investment.

During his tenure, the City has transformed aging properties into vibrant community assets, expanded recreation opportunities, strengthened public safety partnerships and delivered projects that enhance quality of life for residents. From the Canyon Country Community Center and The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center, presented by Valencia by FivePoint, to the transfer of William S. Hart Park to City ownership and the soon-to-open Rink Sports Pavilion, Striplin has helped turn bold ideas into lasting community benefits.
While he is highly respected by fellow city managers, elected officials and government leaders throughout California—and currently serves as President of the California City Management Foundation—his greatest accomplishments are reflected in the success of the community he serves. His leadership and dedication to local government have earned some of the profession’s highest honors, including the League of California Cities’ prestigious John H. Nail Award and the International City/County Management Association’s Award for Career Excellence in Memory of Mark E. Keane.
Yet those who know him best understand that recognition has never been his motivation. Instead, Striplin remains focused on supporting the City Council’s vision, serving residents and fostering a culture of excellence that has helped make Santa Clarita one of California’s most respected and well-managed cities.
One of the best examples of Striplin’s ability to see possibilities where others see limitations is the Canyon Country Community Center. Before becoming one of Santa Clarita’s most vibrant gathering places, the site looked very different. What is now a beautiful community destination was once occupied by an assortment of commercial businesses and dominated by one of the largest billboards in the City. Rather than simply developing the property as originally envisioned, Striplin challenged his team to think bigger about what the space could become. By forging partnerships and finding creative solutions to expand the usable space, the project grew beyond its initial footprint to include additional walking paths, open lawns and inviting green spaces. Today, the Canyon Country Community Center serves as a hub for recreation, cultural celebrations, community meetings, classes and events, bringing thousands of residents together each year and creating a true sense of place.
Those who work alongside Striplin often point to his unique blend of strategic vision and operational excellence. Holding a doctorate and a lifelong commitment to professional development, he has fostered a culture of continuous improvement throughout the City organization. Employees are encouraged to innovate, grow professionally and challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of better service to residents. The result is a high-performing organization known for creativity, efficiency and exceptional customer service.
His commitment to preserving community treasures while reimagining them for future generations has become a hallmark of his leadership. When the local ice rink closed during the pandemic, Striplin saw opportunity where others saw loss. Under his leadership, the City partnered with the LA Kings to reopen the facility as The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center, creating a regional destination for recreation and events.
That same vision continues today with the City’s newest recreational investment: The Rink Sports Pavilion. Scheduled to open soon, the facility will expand opportunities for roller skating, sports, tournaments and community recreation, further strengthening Santa Clarita’s reputation as a destination for active lifestyles and family-friendly amenities.
Throughout his tenure, Striplin has consistently demonstrated that leadership is about more than managing projects. It is about building partnerships, solving complex challenges and bringing people together around a shared vision. Whether leading the City through emergencies, advancing major regional transportation initiatives, addressing homelessness, strengthening public safety partnerships or creating new opportunities for residents, his focus remains the same: improving quality of life for the people who call Santa Clarita home.
While Ken Striplin is known throughout the nation for his leadership in local government, his greatest pride is his four children and his deep roots in the Santa Clarita community. Outside of City Hall, he is actively involved in youth sports, coaching football and mentoring young athletes. He currently serves as Chair of the West Ranch High School Football Boosters and the SCV Wildcats Youth Football Program, helping shape the next generation both on and off the field. A longtime Santa Clarita resident, Striplin is often found volunteering at community events, supporting local nonprofits and cheering on local students and athletes. His commitment to service extends far beyond his role as City Manager and reflects the values of leadership, teamwork and community that have defined his career
As Santa Clarita continues to grow and evolve, Ken Striplin’s legacy can be seen in the facilities, programs and partnerships that strengthen the community every day. More importantly, it can be seen in the culture of excellence he has helped create—one that will continue serving residents for generations to come.

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