Her resignation follows the exit of the city’s Police Chief, as well as earlier departures of the city attorney and the director of Housing and Human Services
Arminé Chaparyan, director of the Community Development Department for the City of Santa Monica, announced her resignation on August 27, after less than seven months in the role, marking the latest in a series of high-level departures from the city’s leadership, officials confirmed.
Chaparyan, who assumed the position on February 3, with an annual salary of $273,384, cited a new professional opportunity as the reason for her departure in a letter to City Manager Oliver Chi. Her resignation, effective September 10, follows the exit of Police Chief Ramón Batista on August 22, as well as earlier departures of City Attorney Doug Sloan and Director of Housing and Human Services Heather Averick.
“It has been an honor to serve,” Chaparyan wrote, praising the “amazing, dynamic, talented team” in the Community Development Department. She highlighted her role in reigniting economic development efforts, including forming an interdepartmental task force that advanced the city’s “Say Yes” initiative and supported housing, building, and code enforcement projects aligned with City Council priorities.
Chaparyan’s appointment in January followed the retirement of longtime Director David Martin. City Manager David White, Chi’s predecessor, had praised her extensive experience, which included serving as city manager for South Pasadena, assistant city manager and community development director for San Gabriel, and redevelopment and community preservation manager and city clerk for Santa Clarita.
The Community Development Department oversees critical city functions, including planning, building and safety, and housing programs, and manages local impacts from the Palisades Fire emergency during an interim period before Chaparyan’s arrival.
