The Manhattan Beach City Council announced on Thursday that it is poised to officially approve the hiring of Talyn Mirzakhanian as city manager. Mirzakhanian has been serving as acting city manager since August.

The council is set to approve the appointment at its next regular meeting on Wednesday, November 6. (The City Council meeting has been moved to Wednesday instead of Tuesday because of Election Day on November 5.)

“Talyn’s commitment to our city, work ethic, responsiveness, and collaboration has demonstrated that she is the ideal choice for city manager,” said Mayor Amy Howorth in a statement. “Her leadership during her tenure here in Manhattan Beach has demonstrated her unique ability to navigate complex challenges and engage with our community effectively. We are excited to see her continue to guide our city into a bright future.”

Mirzakhanian began as acting city manager following the retirement of longtime City Manager Bruce Moe in August. Mirzakhanian's appointment follows a nationwide search that drew more than 50 applicants, according to city staff.

“It will be an honor to accept this role and to continue serving the residents of Manhattan Beach,” said Mirzakhanian in a statement. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the City Council, the staff, and our community to enhance the quality of life for all residents and to ensure that we effectively tackle any future challenges. Together, we can achieve great things and make Manhattan Beach an even better place to live, work, and visit.”

Mirzakhanian holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA, and a master's degree in planning from USC. She began her career as a planner in the city of Calabasas, where she served for 12 years before moving to the planning department in Pasadena. 

In 2020, she joined Manhattan Beach as planning manager, and in 2023, she was appointed director of the Community Development Department, overseeing complex projects and policy development.

Mirzakhanian will take the helm at a time when the city is facing large infrastructure and development needs.

When her contract is approved on November 6, the city will presumably know if voters have passed Measure MMB, a proposal to raise the sales tax in Manhattan Beach from 9.5% to 10%, with the extra half-cent going toward essential city services and improvements. The tax would generate an estimated $5.3 million in funding that would stay local.

Other challenges include meeting the state's housing goals, tackling the outdoor dining issue, completing the Scout House, and upgrading Begg Pool.