Naghavi named economic development director

Former Costa Mesa Public Services Director Peter Naghavi is now the city’s first economic development director.

The City Council approved the position and Naghavi’s appointment in a unanimous vote at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Naghavi will be paid $120,000 for the second half of the fiscal year, with his position being fully budgeted next year. His pay comes from leaving an engineering position vacant in public services and using money already set aside for economic development in the budget.

Naghavi’s role puts him below CEO Tom Hatch but above department heads, allowing him to supervise and coordinate among the city’s development and public services departments.

Both departments play important roles in the city’s push for capital improvements.

— Joseph Serna

Twitter: @JosephSerna