Pasadena City Council Adopted Vice Mayor Guideline
The council voted unanimously to prioritize the longest-serving member for the vice mayor position.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in City Hall
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Pasadena City Council members have adopted a new nonbinding guideline for selecting a vice mayor. The policy aims to bring stability to the election process by favoring the longest-serving member who has not yet served in the role.
Why it matters
Council members enacted this policy to eliminate surprises during the selection process and ensure greater certainty in local governance. This change allows for the possibility of two consecutive one-year terms for the vice mayor, who assumes mayoral duties during absences.
The council requires 5 affirmative votes to finalize the election of a vice mayor. This follows a long-standing tradition of two-year terms that dates back to 1965.
The players
Justin Jones
He is a Pasadena City Councilmember and the current longest-serving member who has not yet held the vice mayor position.
Rick Cole
He is a member of the Pasadena City Council who introduced the motion to adopt the new vice mayor selection guidelines.
Steve Madison
He is a Pasadena City Councilmember who was notably absent during the unanimous vote to approve the new guidelines.
The details
The City Clerk will incorporate the new guidelines into the council's meeting policy following a motion by Councilmember Rick Cole. While the measure was adopted unanimously, Councilmember Steve Madison was absent for the final vote.
Timeline
The practice of two-year vice mayor terms originated in 1965.
Justin Jones joined the City Council on September 29, 2022.
Justin Jones was reelected to his seat on June 2, 2024.
The council is scheduled to select the next vice mayor on December 7, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents or dissenting voices in future sessions may argue that nonbinding guidelines restrict the council's flexibility to respond to shifting political alliances. Some may also push back against the focus on seniority over current performance or demonstrated leadership capabilities.
Residents can expect a more predictable leadership transition process during city council organizational meetings. This change ensures that the selection of the vice mayor, who acts as mayor during disability, adheres to a clear and transparent set of priorities.
The takeaway
Establishing clear internal protocols helps local governments avoid last-minute political maneuvering during leadership elections. Voters benefit when city processes prioritize consistent, rule-based transitions over ad-hoc negotiations.
What happens next
The council is scheduled to hold the next vice mayor selection during the organizational meeting on December 7, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local governance, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pasadena Now.
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