Councilmember-Elect Cole Announces Resignation From Planning Commission, Effective Dec. 6

In a letter to Mayor Victor Gordo, Planning Commissioner, and soon-to-be Councilmember Rick Cole announced his resignation from the Commission effective Dec. 6.

The resignation will become official just three days before Cole is sworn in as a member of the City Council on December 9.

“I will miss serving on the Commission, so it is with regret that I submit my resignation, effective December 6,” Cole wrote.

Cole was appointed to the Planning Commission last July. In March he was elected by voters in District 2 in March.

Cole previously served 12 years on the Pasadena City Council and served as Mayor before the City Charter was rewritten allowing for an elected Mayor.

During that time Councilmembers rotated into the mayoral position.

In 2022, Mayor Gordo appointed Cole as a special housing advisor to the Mayor.

In that role, Cole advised the Mayor on matters relating to housing issues—including the work of the newly established housing task force.

Cole previously served as the City Manager of Azusa, Ventura, and most recently Santa Monica.

“It has been my privilege to serve our City as a member of the Planning Commission over the past two and a half years,” Cole wrote. “During that time, the Commission has broadened its focus, taking a wider view of its responsibilities.”