25-Year City Planner To Lead Beverly Hills' Community Development Efforts

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — A 25-year city planner has been named Beverly Hills' new director of community development.

City officials announced this week that Michael Forbes will oversee the department in charge of residential and commercial planning and development, community preservation, rent stabilization, film permits and more.

“I am thrilled to welcome Michael to Beverly Hills,” City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey said. “His impressive and diverse leadership experience at cities across Southern California has prepared him well for the busy work ahead and we look forward to him joining our team later this month.”

Forbes comes to Beverly Hills from Westlake Village, where he serves as planning director. He has perviously worked in related roles in Burbank, Glendora, Thousand Oaks and Temple City.

He has a bachelors degree in geography from UCLA and is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners, city officials said.

“I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity,” said Forbes. “The Community Development Department in Beverly Hills has an outstanding reputation and I look forward to working with the dedicated team as we continue to serve this world-class community.”

Forbes succeeds Timothea Tway, who left Beverly Hills in June to take a community development director job in San Luis Obispo.