South Pasadena City Council Promotes Intergovernmental Collaboration via Regional Boards

Seeing the benefits of collaborating across city lines with community partners, the South Pasadena City Council is taking an active role in regional issues via Regional Governmental Boards. This is highlighted by two recent appointments: Mayor Robert S. Joe’s appointment to Chairperson of the Foothill Employment and Training Consortium (FETC) Policy Board, and Councilmember Marina Khubesrian’s appointment to Chairperson of the Arroyo Verdugo Subregion Board.

The FETC implements workforce investment programs on behalf of the Cities of South Pasadena, Arcadia, Duarte, Monrovia, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre including vocational and pre-vocational training, customized employer training, and skills assessments to the unemployed and other job seekers. As elected officials overseeing the FETC, the Policy Board provides direction on the delivery of services utilizing Federal employment and training funds. The Arroyo Verdugo Subregion Board provides long-term planning direction for the Cities of South Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, and adjacent unincorporated communities.

The City Council has a long tradition of using regional boards to partner with other cities and local governments on issues of regional concern. Councilmember Michael Cacciotti has advocated for improved environmental conditions throughout southern California as a member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board since February 2008. Councilmember Diana Mahmud advocates for improved environmental conditions throughout San Gabriel Valley as a member of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee. Councilmember Richard Schneider regularly attends meetings of the Technical Advisory Committee for the SR-710 North Study, and previously participated on committees for the San Gabriel Council of Governments.