March Government Affairs Committee: Harbormaster Update with Kurt Borsting

Kurt Borsting became the harbormaster for the City of Newport Beach in December 2018. He directs harbor-related programs and services, including moorings administration and management, Marina Park slip rentals, code enforcement, and harbor safety and maintenance activities. The Harbor Department has an annual budget of $1.1 million and 13 part-time employees that serve as the City’s ambassadors on the water, welcoming visitors to Newport Harbor and providing customer service to the boating community.

Borsting previously served as the Marine Operations Superintendent for the City of Long Beach, helping manage the largest publicly operated marina facility in the western United States. He oversaw two large recreational marinas and the City’s commercial harbor property, collectively served more than 3,200 recreational, commercial and live-aboard boaters. Before joining Long Beach, Borsting worked for 501(c)3 non-profit auxiliary organizations at California State University, Fullerton and Cal Poly Pomona, where he directed the various student service operation and related capital projects for the campuses.  Borsting’s professional experiences in these municipal and collegiate settings have focused on leading career and part-time personnel, developing programs and services in response to community needs, budget development and oversight, commercial lease and permit administration, safety and risk management programs and facility operations. 

Borsting holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Long Beach and a Master of Science Degree from Central Missouri State University.

Kurt is married to his wife of twenty-five years (Elizabeth).  Together, they have a son attending college in Northern California and daughter in high school.  They enjoy spending time with family and friends, dining and travel.