Garden Grove City Council Unanimously Approves Agreement Naming Matt West Next City Manager

At its Tuesday, Sept. 8 meeting, the Garden Grove City Council unanimously approved an employment agreement with Assistant City Manager Matt West to serve as the City's next city manager. Mr. West will assume the role Nov. 3, following the retirement of City Manager Lisa Kim.

"Matt has earned the City Council's confidence through his experience, sound judgment and collaborative approach," said Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein. "He understands our organization, our community and the priorities ahead. We are confident he is prepared to lead Garden Grove and continue moving the City forward."

Mr. West brings more than 26 years of public service experience. He joined Garden Grove as interim assistant city manager in January 2024 and was appointed to the permanent position in April 2024. In his current role, he helps oversee citywide operations and City Council priorities for a full-service municipal organization with more than 770 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees and annual budgets of approximately $400 million.

"Since joining Garden Grove, I have seen firsthand the dedication and professionalism our employees bring to their work every day," said Assistant City Manager Matt West. "I am honored to take on this responsibility and build on the progress achieved under Lisa's leadership. Garden Grove has tremendous momentum, with major projects and priorities on the horizon, and I look forward to working with the City Council and our employees to deliver results for the community."

Before joining Garden Grove, Mr. West spent over 22 years with the City of Tustin, advancing through planning, redevelopment and executive management roles before serving as city manager from 2019 to 2023. He led an organization with more than 400 employees, developed balanced biennial budgets and directed the $400 million Tustin Legacy program, helping transform 1,600 acres of the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin into a master-planned community.

Mr. West holds a bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning and a certificate in Public Employee Leadership Development. He is a member of ICMA and the California City Management Foundation, a past executive committee member of the Orange County City Managers Association.