Mirisch, a fourth-generation Beverly Hills resident, was first elected to the City Council in 2009 and went on to win reelection in 2013, 2017 and 2022. He served as mayor in 2013, 2016 and 2019.
"I want you all to know what an honor it has been to represent our community for 17 years and three months."
During his farewell remarks, Mirisch reflected on a long list of city initiatives and policy battles, including the creation of the Cultural Heritage Commission, the expansion of arts and culture in Beverly Hills, the Sunshine Task Force, public safety technology, autonomous vehicle planning and the city’s role in adopting major public health and antisemitism measures.
"During my most recent term as mayor, we were the first city in the U.S. to ban the sale of tobacco and the first city in the U.S. to adopt and implement the IHRA, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of anti-Semitism."
Mirisch also used the speech to defend the importance of local government and resident-focused decision-making, a theme that became central to his time on the dais.
"When done right, local government is the best form of democracy because it's closest to home, and home is a sacred concept."
"City Hall exists to serve the community, not the other way around."
His tenure included several high-profile and sometimes contentious votes. In 2023, Mirisch cast the lone dissenting vote against the Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills zoning ordinance and development agreement, arguing the deal favored LVMH more than Beverly Hills residents. He also frequently spoke against state efforts to limit local control over housing and land-use decisions.
The end of Mirisch’s council service followed a February court ruling that barred him from seeking a fifth term under Beverly Hills’ voter-approved term-limit measure. Mirisch referenced that outcome directly in his remarks.
"I hope you also know that I would have been happy to continue serving Beverly Hills, but a rather dodgy, poorly reasoned interpretation of state law meant that it was not to be so."
Mirisch’s farewell also turned toward the future, particularly his continued advocacy for the Jewish community and his opposition to antisemitism and anti-Zionism. He said his public service would continue outside of City Hall.
"Being Jewish is a blessing. Continuing without fear to fight against all forms of Jew hatred, including anti-Zionism, to be proudly Jewish, to try to embody Jewish values on a daily basis, to support and protect our Jewish homeland, and to promote the spirit of Yisrael Chai every single day. That's what's next for me."
Before closing, Mirisch offered advice to newly elected Councilmember Rebecca Pynoos, urging her to remain grounded, prepared and independent.
"Be prepared to compromise, but don't compromise your core values. Be open without being naive. Trust but verify. And sometimes, watch your back, Jack."
Mirisch ended by thanking the community he served for nearly two decades.
"Once again, my profound thanks go out to all of you for the 17 years and three months. May God bless all of you. May God bless America, and may God bless Beverly Hills."
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