Tuesday, November 25, 2025

San Gabriel Valley COG President Stresses Collaboration, Pasadena’s Role in Regional Projects

San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments President Ed Reece told the Pasadena City Council on Monday night, Nov. 24, that regional collaboration is delivering multimillion-dollar projects and policy gains, with Pasadena playing a central role in shaping decisions and implementation.

Reece, who represents Claremont and chairs the Gold Line Construction Authority and Joint Powers Authority, said the COG unites 31 cities, two county supervisorial districts and local agencies to improve transportation, housing, sustainability and quality of life for nearly 2 million residents.

“By working together our collective voice is louder, our reach is farther, and we deliver projects and services no city could do alone,” he said.

He highlighted the COG’s construction authority — the only COG in Los Angeles County with one — which is delivering 19 grade separation projects costing $100–$200 million each at little or no cost to member cities. Reece added the authority is expanding to highway improvement projects, transit facilities and active transportation projects. Other achievements include tripling business compliance with SB 1383 food-waste rules while equipping food banks with refrigeration, and directing $36.5 million in Measure M funding last year to 17 valley agencies for transportation improvements.

Reece underscored Pasadena’s engagement, noting Mayor Victor Gordo’s service on the governing board and Olympic/Paralympic ad hoc committee, and Councilmember Rick Cole’s role on the homelessness committee. He also recognized Pasadena city staff: Jennifer Guess Mayo of Pasadena Water and Power on the Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources Committee, Transportation Director Joaquin Siques, and Deputy Director Jenny Christis Savas on the Transportation Committee.

“You are highly engaged and your involvement really means a lot to this COG,” Reece said.

He explained that the COG’s executive committee and policy committees — covering capital projects, environment, homelessness and transportation — are where collaboration happens, with city managers and working groups shaping solutions. He introduced Executive Director Marisa Creter, Government Affairs Director Ricky Choi, staff member Jonathan Horton, and board liaison Steph Wong, crediting them with turning ideas into action.

Pasadena is also benefiting from a Cal Fire-funded Community Wildfire Protection Plan overseen by the COG, which Reece said will help cities prepare for wildfire hazards and qualify for state funding. He encouraged councilmembers to stay involved, saying their expertise ensures local needs are reflected in regional decisions, and invited them to contact him directly, noting his email was displayed during the presentation.

Closing his remarks, Reece introduced the “iHeart SGV” program to foster shared pride across the valley, describing his public service as “soul feeding.” He distributed lapel pins to council members as a symbol of unity before departing for another commitment. Council members thanked him and acknowledged the COG’s partnership.