Mayor Gordo to Represent Pasadena on SGV Council of Governments

Mayor Victor Gordo will represent the city on the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG.)

The council voted to pay $121,660.94 in back fees and rejoin the group last month after Gordo was sworn in as the city’s mayor. The group represents San Gabriel Valley cities on county, regional and state issues. 

Differences regarding the extension of the 710 Freeway led to the city leaving the group in 2018.

The SGVCOG favored building a traffic tunnel between Alhambra and Pasadena to connect the 710 and the 210 freeways, a position that alienated cities in the western part of the valley. Gordo voted against leaving the group and promised he would propose rejoining it during the mayoral election. 

Pasadena, South Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge, and the San Fernando Valley cities of Glendale and Burbank opposed the 4.2-mile connector tunnel proposal. That schism led to the formation of the Arroyo Verdugo Joint Powers Authority Governing Board.

Previously, the SGVCOG has focused on transportation projects, homelessness, water resilience, and legislative advocacy.

By rejoining, the city could participate in the SGV Housing Trust Fund, which would provide the city with access to state funds awarded to members for affordable housing.

The SGVCOG is made up of representatives from 31 cities within the San Gabriel Valley, as well as the three Los Angeles County Supervisorial Districts and the three Municipal Water Districts located in the San Gabriel Valley.

In December, Gordo called the SGVCOG an additional tool that may not solve problems but will aid local residents and Pasadena’s neighbors in the region.

The city first joined through a City Council-approved Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) in 1994.

Gordo’s selection to the SGVCOG is just one of several appointments made on Monday. District 2 Councilmember Felicia Williams will serve as his alternate to SGVCOG.

Gordo will also serve on the Gamble House Advisory Board. 

District 6 City Councilman Steve Madison will become the city’s liaison on the Rose Bowl Operating Co. and Vice Mayor Andy Wilson will fill the vacancy left by former Councilmember Margaret McAustin on the Arroyo Verdugo Joint Powers Authority Governing Board.