Pasadena City Council Approves Major Commission Appointments

The Pasadena City Council approved a slate of appointments, reappointments and resignations to the city’s advisory bodies during its meeting Monday.

The Council’s actions included 28 positions — 5 appointments and 23 reappointments — along with 3 resignations across multiple commissions that advise on issues ranging from environmental policy to regional transportation.

In a significant regional appointment, Jason Lyon was named to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority effective June 1, 2025, as a City nomination. The Authority owns Hollywood Burbank Airport and consists of nine members, with three appointed by each city. This body controls a major regional transportation hub serving northern Greater Los Angeles, including Pasadena.

The Council also reappointed Tyron Hampton and Andy Wilson to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, with terms beginning June 1, 2025. Airport Authority commissioners serve 4-year terms as specified in the Joint Powers Agreement.

The Northwest Commission saw the appointment of Jer-Adrianne “Juju” Lelliott as a District 5 nomination, while also recording two resignations: Alfred Lomax Carr, who was Chair and a District 1 nominee, and Michael Anthony Cullins, effective May 14, 2025. This commission recently reviewed significant accessibility and economic development improvements totaling over $767,000, including ADA compliance projects.

Among the notable appointments was Ana Maria Almario Soulriver to the Environmental Advisory Commission as a District 2 nomination. The commission advises the City Council on environmental policy and monitors the Green City Action Plan. Their recent work has included reviewing greenhouse gas inventory updates and water rates.

Colin Bogart received an appointment to the Transportation Advisory Commission as a District 1 nomination, while David DiCristofaro was reappointed as a District 6 nomination, effective July 1, 2025. This body advises on the city’s transportation system and is mandated to address traffic circulation, capital programs, and regional transit networks. They also consider how transportation affects residential neighborhoods and access for underserved populations.

Multiple reappointments were made to various commissions, with District 7 nominations accounting for six reappointments, including Eric Hogensen to the Arts & Culture Commission, Imran Chaudhry to Code Enforcement Commission, Tunisia Offray to the Human Services Commission, James De Pietro to the Pasadena Community Access Corporation Board, Jennifer Higginbotham to the Planning Commission, and Lon Bender to the Recreation and Parks Commission, all effective July 1, 2025.

Pasadena’s commission appointment process follows a diverse nomination system where members can be nominated by the Mayor, Councilmembers representing specific districts, at-large nominations, city nominations, agency nominations for specific commissions, and hotel nominations for the Pasadena Center Operating Company.

Most commission members must be Pasadena residents and typically serve three- or four-year terms with term limits. These advisory bodies represent a critical link between residents and city government, allowing for specialized focus on issues ranging from environmental concerns to transportation policy.

The May 5 appointments reflect Pasadena’s governance structure that relies heavily on citizen advisory bodies to provide expertise and community perspective to the City Council.