Deputy City Manager James Macfarlane

James C. Macfarlane II began serving as Deputy City Manager for the City of Palm Coast in September 2026, bringing more than 25 years of experience and leadership in municipal government, public safety, emergency management, and organizational administration.

Mr. Macfarlane has served in executive and command-level roles across municipal, county, and higher education organizations throughout Oregon and has consulted with a tribal government there. Most recently, he served as a Sheriff's Captain and Division Commander with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, where he provided executive oversight of 24-hour operations, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, managed sworn and civilian personnel, led strategic initiatives, and worked closely with elected officials, legal counsel, community stakeholders, and regional partners. His previous leadership experience also includes serving as a Police Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Police Officer, as well as consulting with the Grand Ronde Tribal Government to establish and implement a new tribal police department.

A collaborative and service-oriented public administrator, Mr. Macfarlane is recognized for his straightforward leadership style, strategic decision-making, servant leadership, and commitment to building high-performing organizations. His areas of expertise include municipal operations, budget administration, strategic planning, emergency management, risk management, organizational leadership, employee development, labor relations, policy development, and community engagement.

Mr. Macfarlane holds a Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law, a Master of Business Administration from Marylhurst University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama, and a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from Portland State University. He has also completed more than 6,000 hours of professional training and holds Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training certifications at the Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, Management, and Executive levels.

As Deputy City Manager, Mr. Macfarlane is committed to supporting the City's strategic priorities, strengthening organizational excellence, and working collaboratively with employees, residents, and community partners to deliver exceptional public service and enhance the quality of life in Palm Coast.