Talyn Mirzakhanian
has been named the
new Community Development Director for the city of Manhattan Beach. She
has been serving as acting director in that role since January
2023.
“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,” said City Manager Bruce Moe in a statement. “Talyn has proven herself to be
capable, dedicated, and
hard-working. She is deeply experienced in complex planning matters,
embraces top level customer service, and is a great team player who
doesn’t hesitate to proactively address issues and provide assistance.”
The Community Development department is responsible for creating a livable,
resilient, and sustainable city by enhancing and guiding the city’s
neighborhoods, environment, and commercial areas. Mirzakhanian will
oversee the Community Development Department’s five divisions: Building
and Safety, Planning, Code Enforcement, Traffic Engineering, and
Environmental Sustainability.
Mirzakhanian has more than 18 years of planning experience in
municipal government. She joined the city as the planning manager in November 2020. Prior to coming to Manhattan Beach,
Mirzakhanian spent three years at the Planning Department in the city of
Pasadena, where she served in the roles of Senior Planner, Zoning
Administrator, and Planning Manager; and 12 years at the Planning
Department in the city of Calabasas.
Mirzakhanian’s planning expertise includes current and
long-range planning, historic preservation and design, and the
California Environmental Quality Act.
“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,” said Mirzakhanian in a statement. “I wholeheartedly commit to
working hard every day of my tenure to enhance the livability,
resiliency, and vivacity of this exceptional city.”
Mirzakhanian holds a B.A. in Sociology and Public Policy
with a concentration in Urban Planning from the University of California
at Los Angeles and a Masters of Planning from the University of Southern
California.
