CONTACTS:
Mayor Laura Rosenthal, 310-924-1555
City Attorney Christi Hogin, 310-643-8448
(MALIBU, CA – February 8, 2016) City Manager Jim Thorsen announced that he will retire effective May 2, 2016, exactly ten years from the date he started as Malibu City Manager.
“Jim’s retirement coincides with the City’s 25th Anniversary. As we take stock of all the accomplishments of the City, we will find Jim’s fingerprints on so many,” commented Mayor Rosenthal. “The City owes him a real debt of gratitude for his professionalism and tireless efforts on behalf of our residents. Personally, for me and the entire Council, Jim has been a tremendous leader, making our jobs so much easier. We will miss him.”
During his tenure, the City’s annual budget grew from $8 million to $20 million while maintaining a AAA credit rating. Thorsen oversaw three major park projects: Legacy Park, which garnered the City a dozen awards, including the prestigious League of California Cities Helen Putnam award, the American Society of Civil Engineers 2011 Project of the Year award for California, and was named among the best civil engineering projects in the entire country; Trancas Canyon Park, which was awarded the 2011 “Best Park” by the American Public Works Association; and Las Flores Creek Park, which was completed just this month. Thorsen also was the driving force behind the purchase of City Hall, the reconstruction of the Malibu Library, and numerous public works and clean water projects.
“Of everything we have been able to accomplish, I have to say that I am most proud of the professional staff,” said Thorsen. “In the end, City Hall is a service organization, and our ability to accomplish the Council’s goals is dependent on the teamwork of City staff. I have been lucky to have great staff to work with.”
Thorsen was Malibu’s sixth and longest serving City Manager to date. Immediately prior to assuming the top position in Malibu, Thorsen served as Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director for the neighboring City of Agoura Hills. Thorsen is a licensed civil engineer and his retirement completes 32 year career of public service to both California and Colorado.
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