News Summary
Masa Alkire, former City Planner and Assistant Director of Community Development in Beverly Hills, has been appointed as the new Community Development Director for Manhattan Beach. With 25 years of experience in urban planning, Alkire’s leadership is expected to significantly contribute to Manhattan Beach’s development initiatives. His previous work includes managing high-profile projects in Beverly Hills, and he brings a wealth of expertise in zoning and land use to his new role, effective immediately.
Manhattan Beach Welcomes Masa Alkire as New Community Development Director
Masa Alkire, previously a key figure in Beverly Hills as the City Planner and Assistant Director of Community Development, has accepted a new role as the Community Development Director for the city of Manhattan Beach. His transition marks a significant change for both communities as Beverly Hills begins the process of recruiting a suitable replacement for him.
City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian of Manhattan Beach emphasized Alkire’s potential contributions to the community, labeling him an “invaluable asset.” His appointment is expected to bring considerable expertise in urban planning and development to the city.
Experience and Achievements in Beverly Hills
Alkire has accumulated 25 years of experience in urban planning and community development, serving various cities throughout Southern California and beyond. He began his career with the city of Beverly Hills in 2016 as a principal planner and was promoted to project manager in 2022. By 2023, he became the assistant director of community development, overseeing several significant development initiatives.
During his tenure in Beverly Hills, Alkire managed high-profile projects including the expansive One Beverly Hills development, which totals 1.3 million square feet and combines luxury hotel and residential spaces. Additionally, he played an integral role in the 3.5 million square-foot Raytheon south campus project in El Segundo. His work extended beyond project management; he also handled legal challenges related to builder’s remedy projects and worked collaboratively with the California Department of Housing and Community Development to ensure the city’s housing element gained approval in 2024.
Community Response to Alkire’s Departure
The transition has evoked a mixture of responses in Beverly Hills. The Director of Community Development, Michael Forbes, expressed gratitude for Alkire’s service and wished him success in his new position. In his final meeting with the Beverly Hills Planning Commissioners, members acknowledged Alkire’s substantial contributions. Commission Chair Jeff Wolfe expressed concern over losing such an integral figure in city planning.
During his farewell, Alkire conveyed appreciation for the support he received from the commissioners and city staff throughout his career in Beverly Hills.
Details of Alkire’s New Role
In his new position, Alkire’s annual salary will be set at $230,000, reflecting his extensive experience and leadership capabilities. In his role in Manhattan Beach, Alkire is expected to apply his knowledge of state land use legislation, zoning code updates, and Local Coastal Program development to foster growth and development in the area.
Alkire also has a proven track record of team management, having previously overseen a planning division with 20 staff members while in Beverly Hills. His educational background includes a master’s degree in community and regional planning from the University of British Columbia, and he holds certification as a professional planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Looking Ahead
As he embarks on this new chapter, the communities are keenly observing the impact of his leadership in Manhattan Beach, while Beverly Hills moves forward in search of a candidate who can fill the significant void left by Alkire’s departure.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Press: Masa Alkire Heads to Manhattan Beach
- Daily Breeze: Manhattan Beach Appoints New Community Development Director
- MB News: Manhattan Beach Names New Community Development Director
- Beverly Press: WeHo City Council Denies Union Appeal
- Wikipedia: Urban Planning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
