Joe Franklin has been named the new mayor of Manhattan Beach, following Tuesday night's transition ceremony at the Manhattan Beach City Council meeting.

The City Council voted, 5-0, for Franklin to succeed Richard Montgomery as mayor. The Manhattan Beach mayoral position rotates every 9 1/2 months, with each councilmember having the opportunity to serve as mayor.

On Tuesday night, the City Council chambers were filled with Franklin's family, friends, and supporters.

"I have to say I'm overwhelmed. Thank you to all who made those touching comments. I'm grateful [my wife] Nancy was here to hear them," quipped Franklin.

Franklin continued: "I always keep in my mind and heart the Manhattan Beach I fell in love with, where I decided to put down roots, where Nancy and I raised a family...My goal on council is simple: I want to help current and future residents have the benefits our family enjoyed while living in Manhattan Beach for 35 years." (Click to see video of Franklin's full remarks on YouTube.)

Franklin promised to make public safety a priority, to have a fully staffed police and fire department, to continue to work to get misdemeanors properly prosecuted, and to fight against "one size fits all" zoning laws from Sacramento.

In his remarks, Franklin also expressed gratitude for a variety of Manhattan Beach grassroots community projects including the Ride Safe, Ride Ready ebike safety campaign; MB SAFE, the local homelessness outreach nonprofit; and the Single Mom Project, for whom the Leadership Manhattan Beach Class of 2023 created a food pantry.

Franklin was also lauded by his colleagues for his dedication to the community. "He will answer all those emails; he will show up for everything - he already does. Joe shows up. That we know," said Councilmember Amy Howorth, who was named Mayor Pro Tem at the meeting.

Franklin's daughter Taylor Franklin also gave an emotional tribute to her father. "Your love for this community has always been palpable, but now it will be channeled into the policies and decisions that will shape the future of Manhattan Beach," she said. "Thank you for being a living example of kindness, humility, and the power of genuine connection. I know that you will serve with the same grace and love that you have poured into our family and our community for all these years."

The meeting also provided an opportunity for colleagues and community members to honor Richard Montgomery, who has concluded his third term as mayor.

"You represent us tremendously well here in the city but also beyond," said Councilmember Steve Napolitano in tribute to Montgomery. "Richard is everywhere for us. He is a regional mayor who has attended many many things on behalf of the community and the City Council. We appreciate that, because for all the people who say, 'Push back at Sacramento," - Richard does that. He travels up there constantly, he talks to people, he networks, he makes things happen."

Franklin's mayoral term will run through October 15, 2024; after which point Mayor Pro Tem Amy Howorth is expected to take on the role of mayor. 

Franklin's, Montgomery's, and Napolitano's City Council terms will end in December 2024.