City Planning Commission elects Monique Lachey president, Michael Newhouse vice president

The Los Angeles City Planning Commission elected Monique Lachey as commission president and Michael Newhouse as vice president during its Sept. 26, 2024, meeting, after brief nominations and roll-call votes.

The commission convened at 8:44 a.m. in the John Ferrara Council Chamber and via Zoom. President Monique Lachey opened the meeting by reading a racial equity value statement saying the planning process should center the needs of those most harmed by systemic racism and strive to create affordable, resilient communities where all Angelenos feel they belong.

With no public commenters on the elections, Commissioner Maria Cabildo nominated Monique Lachey for president; Commissioner Karen Mack seconded the nomination. The clerk called a roll and multiple commissioners recorded affirmative votes. The clerk announced, “The motion carries,” and Lachey was installed as president for the session.

Cabildo then nominated Michael (Mike) Newhouse for vice president; Commissioner Martina Diaz seconded. The commission again voted by roll call, the clerk reported the motion carried, and Newhouse was confirmed as vice president.

Director of Planning Bertone told the commission he had “no report today” but said staff were available to answer questions given the full agenda. Deputy City Attorney Miss Brothers likewise reported she had nothing to add.

The commission staff reviewed public-participation procedures, including instructions for in-person and remote speakers, phone and Zoom dial-in numbers, the Zoom meeting ID (812-6387-3691) and passcode (656010), and noted in-person simultaneous Spanish and Korean translation would be available for agenda items 6–8. Staff stated that meeting audio would be available online within two business days.

President Lachey closed Item 1 and moved the meeting on to Item 2 on the agenda. No other formal actions were taken during the item.