Manhattan Beach Names New Community Development Director

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Talyn Mirzakanian will serve as Manhattan Beach's new Community Development Director, striving to create a livable, resilient and sustainable city for residents.

The Community Development Department works to guide Manhattan Beach's neighborhoods, environment and commercial areas to enhance safety and environmental sustainability. In her role, Mirzakhanian will oversee the department's five divisions: Building and Safety; Code enforcement; Traffic Engineering; and Environmental Sustainability.

“I am honored and humbled to serve the City of Manhattan Beach and its residents in this new role. I am eager to lead this hardworking, devoted, and talented team of individuals whose daily efforts shape and protect the City’s built environment,” Mirzakhanian said. “I wholeheartedly commit to working hard every day of my tenure to enhance the livability, resiliency, and vivacity of this exceptional city.”

Mirzakhanian has over 18 years of experience in municipal government and before coming to Manhattan Beach in 2020 spent her time working in the Planning Departments in Pasadena and Calabasas. City officials said Mirzakhanian's expertise lies in current and long-range planning, historic preservation and design and the California Environmental Quality Act.

City Manager Bruce Moe named Mirzakhanian the new Community Development Director on April 21 and said she has been an incredible asset while working in Manhattan Beach.

“I am deeply grateful to Talyn Mirzakhanian for her dedication to our City. She has tackled some weighty issues since joining Manhattan Beach, and is perfectly suited to help guide us through the challenges ahead,” Moe said.