Escondido, CA – During the October 7, 2026, City Council meeting, the Escondido City Council appointed Dare DeLano as its next City Attorney. Dare, who has served as Interim City Attorney since Mike McGuinness’s retirement, will now lead the City Attorney’s Office.
Dare joined the City Attorney’s Office in 2022 as a Senior Deputy City Attorney and was promoted to Assistant City Attorney in 2024. During her tenure with the City, she has advised executive leadership and department directors on complex legal and policy matters and has served as legal counsel to the Planning Commission.
Her municipal practice includes land use and planning, California housing law, the California Environmental Quality Act, environmental law, real estate transactions, contracts, and procurement. She has also led legal work on significant City real property transactions and
complex matters involving affordable housing obligations.
“Dare has been a valuable part of the City team, and we’re thrilled to have her step into the role of City Attorney,”
said Mayor Dane White. “Her legal expertise, practical approach, and commitment to public service make her a great fit, and we look forward to her continued leadership.”
Before joining the City, DeLano was a partner at a boutique law firm specializing in land use, environmental and real estate litigation. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Master of Laws from New York University School of Law.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Escondido’s City Attorney,” said DeLano. “I’m grateful to the City Council for its confidence in me and to the many City leaders and staff members I have had the privilege of working with over the past four years. I look forward to leading the City Attorney’s Office and continuing to work with our exceptional City team to serve the Escondido
community.”
