Costa Mesa City Council appoints new city manager amid public concerns

In a special closed session meeting on July 1, 2025, the Costa Mesa City Council convened to address pressing matters, including the appointment of a new city manager and ongoing litigation. The meeting, which was conducted remotely with participation from all council members, highlighted significant community concerns regarding local governance and planning processes.

One of the key discussions centered around the selection of a new city manager. Resident Cynthia McDonald voiced her hopes for a leader who could effectively navigate the political landscape and prioritize the needs of Costa Mesa citizens. She specifically criticized the handling of the Fairview Developmental Center specific plan, arguing that the city had ceded too much control to the state, resulting in a planning process that did not adequately reflect community input. McDonald emphasized the importance of public engagement and suggested that the formation of an advisory committee could lead to a more inclusive and representative planning outcome.

The council also addressed a request to walk on an item concerning existing litigation, specifically the case of Abdulmagid versus the City of Costa Mesa. This matter required a four-fifths vote to be added to the agenda, which was successfully achieved, indicating the urgency of the issue at hand.

As the meeting progressed, the council moved to appoint a new city manager, a decision that could have lasting implications for the city’s governance and community relations. The council members unanimously supported the motion to walk on the item, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing the leadership vacuum in the city.

While no immediate reporting out was expected from the closed session, the discussions underscored the ongoing challenges facing Costa Mesa, particularly in terms of community engagement and effective governance. The council's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future direction of the city and addressing the concerns raised by residents.