HONORING BENJAMIN SIEGEL FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

On 2026-07-13, Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BENJAMIN SIEGEL FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO" in the House.

HONORING BENJAMIN SIEGEL FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E669-E670] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BENJAMIN SIEGEL FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO ______ HON. MIKE LEVIN of california in the house of representatives Monday, July 13, 2026 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Benjamin Siegel, who is retiring after a decade of service as the City Manager of San Juan Capistrano, California. As a proud resident of San Juan Capistrano, I pay tribute to and celebrate his impact on the City and community in California's 49th District. Ben Siegel has served as San Juan Capistrano's City Manager since 2016, providing leadership to facilitate the effective delivery of municipal services, management of City operations, and the negotiation and administration of contracts. Ben has over 20 years of municipal management experience, presides over the Orange County City Managers Association, and has extensive knowledge in the areas of land use and development, transportation, and public infrastructure. He is passionate about making government more efficient and improving service delivery to San Juan Capistrano's residents and businesses. [[Page E670]] Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UCLA, a Master of Public Administration from Cal State Fullerton, and a certificate in Construction and Development Management from UC Irvine. At Cal State Fullerton, Ben served on the Advisory Board for the Master of Public Administration program and created the City Management Fellowship Program, which enab]es high-performing graduate students to learn directly from local city managers. In honor of his contributions to the profession, Ben received the Stewardship Award from the Municipal Management Association of Southern California. In San Juan Capistrano, Ben led the city with a focus on fiscal management, eliminating the structural budget deficit and allowing the city to build surpluses and invest in public safety, parks, and critical infrastructure. Under his leadership, the city has improved its roadways, expanded affordable housing development, and revitalized downtown San Juan Capistrano. Several recreational and cultural amenities have been added, including the San Juan Capistrano Skatepark, Windmill Park, and the Northwest Open Space Park with Putuidem Village. Ben Siegel's commitment to San Juan Capistrano has facilitated the prosperity that the community enjoys today. I recognize and celebrate his decade of leadership in San Juan Capistrano and wish Ben the best in his retirement and success in all his future endeavors. ____________________