March 19, 2026

LATEST UPDATES

City Council to Review Palisades and Franklin Fires After-Action Report on March 23

The City Council review of the Palisades and Franklin Fires After-Action Report has been rescheduled to Monday, March 23 at 5:30 PM at Malibu City Hall.

The City has completed an independent review of its emergency response to the 2024 Franklin Fire and the 2025 Palisades Fire. Prepared by Witt O’Brien’s, a nationally recognized emergency management firm, the report evaluates the City’s emergency management and Emergency Operations Center processes, including coordination, communication, evacuation, and operations.

This review is separate from the LA County After-Action Report released in September 2025 and focuses solely on the City of Malibu’s operations. Community members are encouraged to review the report, attend the March 23 meeting, and provide public comment or questions. The meeting will also be livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend in person.

Read the After-Action Report

Read After-Action Report Q&A

CBS News Feature: Navigating the Malibu Rebuild Process

CBS News Los Angeles joined Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy and City leaders for a ride-along through fire-impacted neighborhoods, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding in Malibu and the City’s efforts to streamline recovery.

The segment explores the unique challenges of rebuilding in Malibu and highlights the steps the City is taking to streamline the process for residents.

To help speed recovery, the City has worked with the state to streamline approvals for certain shoreline projects— reducing timelines by years while ensuring long-term safety and resilience.

Watch the Video

New Optional On-Site Consultation Available for Fire Rebuilds

To support homeowners in the early stages of rebuilding, the City is now offering an optional Initial On-Site Visit Consultation Program. Before submitting architectural plans, homeowners and their design teams may schedule a one-time, on-site visit with Malibu Planning and Building Safety staff. During the consultation, staff can confirm rebuild eligibility, review the proposed building footprint and discuss required permits, studies, and the overall review process.

The program is available for like-for-like rebuilds and like-for-like plus 10% rebuilds. Please note that this consultation does not replace required documentation or application materials needed for formal rebuild approval.

Homeowners may request a consultation by contacting the Rebuild Center at (310) 456-2489 ext. 400. Design teams must complete and submit the required checklist in advance and bring a full set of plans to the on-site meeting.

Learn More

RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at the Rebuild Center

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available at the Rebuild Center every Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM to meet with rebuild applicants.

SBA staff will be on site to review the status of loan applications, answer questions, and provide guidance on next steps in the recovery process. Rebuild applicants are encouraged to stop by if they would like assistance or an update on their application.

Learn More about SBA

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH

Regular City Council Meeting - After-Action Review

5:30 PM at Malibu City Hall and live streamed on YouTube

The City of Malibu has completed an independent After-Action Review (AAR) examining how emergency operations were managed during the 2024 Franklin Fire and the 2025 Palisades Fire. The City’s AAR will be presented to Council where community members are encouraged to attend to learn more, provide public comment, and ask questions.

MARCH

Community Meeting With Rebuild Families

3:00-5:00 PM at Malibu City Hall

During the meeting, the City will introduce new City Manager Joe Irvin to the community. Families who have received fire rebuild permits through the Rebuild Center following the Palisades Fire will also share their experiences and testimonials.

MARCH

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at the Rebuild Center

8:00 AM-4:00 PM at the Rebuild Center

SBA staff will be on site every Wednesday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM to review the status of loan applications, answer questions, and provide guidance on next steps in the recovery process. Rebuild applicants are encouraged to stop by if they would like assistance or an update on their application.

APRIL

Public Safety Commission Meeting – After-Action Review

5:00-6:00 PM at Malibu City Hall

The Public Safety Commission will review the 2024 Franklin Fire and the 2025 Palisades Fire After-Action Review.

APRIL

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at the Rebuild Center

8:00 AM-4:00 PM at the Rebuild Center

View Meeting Details & Links

CITY SERVICES

City of Malibu Reviews Geotechnical Standards with Zone Captains

On Tuesday, March 10, Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy and Assistant Director Tyler Eaton met with NV5 and Fenagh Engineering, City Manager Joe Irvin, Big Rock Mesa Zone Captains, and members of the public to discuss geotechnical guidelines related to fire rebuilds in the Big Rock Mesa area.

Attendees learned more about the City’s geotechnical review standards and preemptive code requirements. Community members asked questions, shared concerns, and provided feedback based on their rebuilding experiences.

The City appreciates the thoughtful input shared during the discussion and continues to remain committed to helping fire rebuild families return home.

Learn More About Your Zone Captain

Fire Rebuild Design Professionals Meeting Recap

On Wednesday, March 11, Community Development Director Bundy and Assistant Director Eaton met with 16 local design professionals to share updates on the City’s ongoing fire rebuilding efforts.

Staff provided updates on fire rebuild permit progress and reviewed the City’s guidance related to permitting following the federal executive order issued on Tuesday, January 27.

Staff also shared updates on Caltrans coordination, seawall considerations, construction along PCH, and the latest geotechnical guidelines. Attendees received an overview of current rebuild construction progress and upcoming rebuild-related meetings.