City of Morro Bay Overview

Though not the largest embayment along California’s coast, Estero Bay (which encompasses Los Osos, Morro Bay and Cayucos) has served humans well since the time of the Chumash. The Spanish Portolá expedition arrived in 1769; a century later, the town of Morro Bay was founded by Franklin Riley as an export point for goods produced by local dairies and ranches. It also serves as a hub of commercial and sport fishing, and is the only all-weather small craft harbor between Santa Barbara and Monterey. Thanks to that picturesque harbor and other natural vistas, this town of 10,757 (as of the 2020 census) is a tourist mecca.

Located between the unincorporated towns of Los Osos and Cayucos, Morro Bay was incorporated in 1964 as a general law city that operates under the council-manager form of municipal government. The city manager is appointed by the council to enforce municipal laws, direct daily operations of the city, and implement council policies and the municipal budget. The city attorney, also appointed by the council, providing legal advice and services to the council, the city’s officials and employees, and the advisory boards and commissions. The city attorney also represents the city’s legal interests and prosecutes violations of the municipal code.

The city clerk, appointed by the city manager, is responsible for handling all meeting agendas and public records and providing public access to all official records of council actions. Among many other duties, the clerk also administers oaths of office, disseminates official publications, notices, and maintains the city’s municipal code.