The Los Angeles City Council confirmed Lydia Kennard as executive director of Los Angeles World Airports on a voice vote following a committee recommendation.

Kennard, approved after a committee vote and a council roll call, told the council that federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant requirements have constrained the department's financing options. "There is a pot of money that comes from the FAA called AIP... Attached to our acceptance of that money is a grant assurance, which would require us not to be able to take money or non aviation revenue, for purposes off airport," Kennard said. She added the department had chosen not to accept AIP funds in the past for policy reasons but now found itself "precluded from either taking the AIP grants or from using our non aviation money for off airport purposes."

Council members offered congratulatory remarks, with several highlighting Kennard's prior work at Ontario and Palmdale airports and her role in living-wage discussions at LAX and Ontario. Council member comments framed the appointment as an achievement for women in leadership; one member said Kennard was filling "a position that's a nontraditional role for women."

Council action: a motion to confirm the appointment was moved in committee, brought to the council and recorded as approved (tally announced during the meeting). The council asked that Kennard work closely with elected officials and stakeholders as she assumes the permanent role.

Why it matters: Kennard's testimony about AIP and non-aviation revenue points to a budget decision that could affect both airport capital projects and the city's general fund receipts. Council members noted that federal changes linking passenger facility charges (PFCs) and AIP could increase the financial impact on LAWA going forward.

What happens next: Kennard will take up the permanent executive-director duties at Los Angeles World Airports; council members said they expected cooperation between LAWA and city committees on questions about federal grant acceptance, PFCs and revenue use going forward.