The City of Malibu announced the transition from its temporary Rebuild Ambassador position to a neighborhood-focused Rebuild Zone Captain system following the completion of Abe Roy's three-month volunteer term.
Roy served as the first Rebuild Ambassador, a volunteer position created to support fire rebuilding efforts. The City Council established the position on May 21, 2025, with a three-month term that ended Aug. 21.
"Creating a temporary, volunteer Rebuild Ambassador position was an experiment, and while helpful, its term expired, and we have transitioned to our neighborhood-focused Rebuild Zone Captains," said Interim City Manager Candace Bond.
However, Roy said he quit the position over concerns the city wasn’t moving fast enough to help residents rebuild. Roy said that only two rebuild permits were issued in nearly 10 months, despite 720 structures burning. Another 69 properties received preliminary approvals. Roy was extremely critical of the progress and he publicly urged Mayor Marianne Riggins to resign, suggesting she lacks crisis management skills.
However, Mayor Marianne Riggins requested a commendation to recognize Roy's contributions during the Sept. 29 City Council meeting.
The city has established Rebuild Zone Captains to collect neighborhood-specific insights and strengthen homeowner representation throughout the rebuilding process. These captains serve as a bridge between fire-impacted property owners and the city, improving access to resources and enabling direct feedback.
The city has implemented several measures to streamline the rebuilding process, including creating the Community Development Department by combining Planning and Environmental Sustainability departments, expediting permitting, adopting code amendments and opening the Malibu Rebuild Center.
The city also launched a Fee Waiver Program, eliminating city planning and building permit fees for like-for-like, owner-occupied homes. The rebuilding process benefits from the governor's suspension of Coastal Act requirements.
The Community Development Department processes applications on a site-specific basis due to geological conditions along the coast and hillsides, helping residents rebuild more resilient structures.
The city continues holding weekly meetings with Rebuild Zone Captains and hosting community meetings. For more information about upcoming events, visit MalibuRebuilds.org/Events.
Edited by SMDP Staff