Meet the Director: Jim McNulty

Jim McNulty joined Santa Clara as Planning and Economic Development Director in 2021, bringing over 20 years of professional planning experience from Northern Utah. His extensive background includes both current and long-range planning for multiple communities, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of municipal development challenges and opportunities.

Since joining Santa Clara, Jim has focused on key initiatives to support the city’s efficient and sustainable growth. He is currently working on updates to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Development Standards to better serve our community’s evolving needs. In 2025, Jim and a professional consultant worked together to update the City’s General Plan, which was completed in 12 months. In 2024, he successfully led the city-initiated project to rewrite the Historic District Design Guidelines, completing this effort in just six months.

Jim’s collaborative approach emphasizes finding solutions that address community needs through partnership and engagement. He enjoys outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, and relaxing on the beach.