Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Los Angeles City Councilman Imelda Padilla as the subway board.
Padilla will replace former city council member Paul Krekorian On the board of directors representing the East San Fernando Valley and phased out last year. Padilla represents communities in the eastern and central valleys and will play a leading role in the transportation expansion project in the area, the mayor’s office announced Wednesday. Billion dollar efforts include Van Nuys Boulevard’s light rail line and the North-South Railway Line of Sepulveda Pass.
“My focus has always been on making the metropolis a world-class public transportation system, where we provide high-quality transportation to Angelenos, which relies on the system while embracing visitors from all over the world,” Mayor Bass said in a statement.
Padilla’s priorities include expanding the fare assistance program and improvements to service reliability and security.
“Public transport should be a safe, reliable and dignified choice for every Angelno, whether they are going to work, running errands or exploring our city,” Padilla said in a statement. “But transport is not just about mobility, it’s about fairness, economic opportunity and quality of life for every generation. I’m honored to serve on the Metro Commission and look forward to working with my colleagues to build a world-class, equitable transit system that strengthens our communities, connects our areas and improves the daily lives of everyone who relies on public transport.”
Padilla wins first After former parliament member Nury Martinez resigned, he was re-elected last year in a special election in 2023. Bass approved Padilla in her seat.
In recent months, the mayor and Padilla clashed over approval of leases Van Nuis Airport. Padilla ran for lease last year in support of residents who expressed strong protests over a deal with the helicopter company. Bass pushes its approval, warning that refusal could risk a federal funding venture from the Federal Aviation Administration. Eventually, the Council approved the lease.
The bass sitting on the board received three subway appointments. Her other appointments include Councilman Katy Yaroslavsky and board member Jacqueline Dupont-Walker, who was selected under Mayor Eric Garcetti.
