Former Mayor Rick Cole Appointed to Planning Commission

Rick Cole has been appointed to the Planning Commission in District 5 according to Monday’s City Council agenda.

Cole served 12 years on the Pasadena City Council, and served as mayor before the charter was rewritten allowing for an elected mayor.

During that time council members rotated into the mayoral position.

“I’ve always believed that planning involves much more than reviewing developer proposals,” Cole said. “With our acute housing crisis, the blows to local businesses from technology and COVID and the coming fiscal crunch of the next recession, Pasadena cannot sit on its assets. We have an obligation to engage the community to proactively plan for a more livable, prosperous, equitable and sustainable future.”

The commission serves as an advisory board to the City Council on the preparation and review of the General Plan, as well as the adoption or implementation of programs under the Plan, including the creation of districts and zones, modification to and administration of zoning regulations, review of the capital improvements program, and review of other programs and projects which affect city development.

Last year Mayor Gordo appointed Cole as special housing advisor to the Mayor.

In this new role, Cole will advise the Mayor on matters relating to housing issues—including the work of the newly established housing task force.

The 15-member Housing Task Force, chaired by former Mayor Bill Bogaard, is guiding development of the city’s housing element update.

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