After more than a year of temporary leadership, Malibu has announced the appointment of a permanent city manager. The Council has hired Joseph D. “Joe” Irvin, effective March 2.
Irvin has spent 20 years in municipal government and currently serves as City Manager of South Lake Tahoe.
A city press release states:
Throughout his career, Irvin has built a strong record of leadership in emergency management, wildfire response and evacuation operations, environmental stewardship, community development, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness. His professional background includes service with four cities—Sequim, Washington; Marco Island, Florida; Healdsburg, California; and South Lake Tahoe, California—each presenting distinct operational, environmental, and community challenges….
Irvin is widely recognized for building positive organizational cultures, strengthening internal operations, and fostering effective partnerships with regional, state, and federal agencies. His accomplishments include leadership during large-scale wildfire emergencies, advancement of housing and infrastructure initiatives, environmental restoration and planning efforts, modernization of emergency communications systems, and the implementation of process improvements that enhance service delivery and public trust.
Irvin earned his B.S. in Environmental Science and Resource Management from California State University Channel Islands. He holds a Master of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College and is a Credentialed City Manager (ICMA-CM) with the International City/County Management Association.
Malibu has not had a permanent manager at the helm since November 2024 when Steve McClary took a leave of absence. Joseph Toney stepped in as Acting City Manager and led the city through the devastating wildfires in January 2025. He resigned in May and was replaced by Interim City Manager Candace Bond.
In July 2025, the city announced that Ronda Perez would be assuming the permanent post. She ended up backing out of the job, leaving Bond in her interim role while the city continued its search for a permanent replacement.
“I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Interim City Manager Candace Bond for her professionalism, steadiness, and commitment to the City during this important period,” Mayor Marianne Riggins said last week. “Candace has provided consistent leadership, maintained operational continuity, and supported both staff and the City Council with clarity and dedication. Her service has been invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of her contributions.”
Read more about Malibu’s next city manager here.