Rick Cole Named Special Housing Advisor to the Mayor

[UPDATED] Mayor Victor Gordo has appointed Rick 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.

“Listening to the advice and counsel of professionals and experienced persons who understand various subject matters but are outside of City Hall is important, and will be of great assistance to me.” Gordo said in a prepared statement. “While we may not always agree, I strive to always have an open mind and listen to varying opinions on all matters.”

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 councilmembers rotated into the mayoral position.

During that time, Pasadena adopted its General Plan.

“Mayor Gordo stressed his commitment to affordable housing during his successful campaign,” Cole said. “The creation of a Housing Task Force chaired by former Mayor Bogaard is an important step forward to ensure all voices are heard in preparing a new Housing Element of the General Plan. Like all Pasadenans, Mayor Gordo wants to preserve what’s of timeless quality in our community. One of the hallmarks of what makes Pasadena special is our economic and social diversity. Given the regional housing crisis, continuing to be an inclusive and affordable community is a huge challenge – and I welcome working with Mayor Gordo, the Housing Task Force as well as his Council colleagues, the staff and the community to meet it. Pasadena deserves nothing less.”

Cole served as the city manager in Azusa, Ventura and Santa Monica.

“I want to thank Mr. Cole for stepping up to the challenge, and giving of his time to share his advice and counsel on housing matters for the benefit of our community,” Gordo said.