Grace Leung honored as she retires; council elects Lauren Kleinman mayor and Noah Blom mayor pro tem; Simone Georges introduced as incoming city manager

The Newport Beach City Council paid tribute Dec. 9 to outgoing City Manager Grace Leung and conducted its annual reorganization, selecting officials for 2026.

Mayor Joe Stapleton read a retirement proclamation honoring Grace Leung for her service since Sept. 4, 2018, noting accomplishments the mayor cited including balanced budgets, major capital projects (Lido Fire Station No. 2, junior lifeguard facility, Sunset View Park, pedestrian bridge), an ADA-accessible playground at San Miguel Park, harbor dredging and public-safety technology upgrades. Elected officials and regional representatives — including the district director for Rep. Dave Min, Assemblymember Diane Dixon, a representative from Senator Tony Strickland’s office, and Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley — presented certificates and spoke in praise of Leung’s leadership. Leung then addressed the council, thanked staff and reflected on her tenure.

The council then conducted its reorganization votes. Lauren Kleinman was nominated for mayor and, with no further nominations, was selected by show of hands to serve as mayor for 2026. The council held a separate vote for mayor pro tem; the paper-ballot vote was counted and read aloud, producing a 4–3 result that elected Noah Blom as mayor pro tem.

Following the reorganization, Simone Georges was introduced to the council and audience as the next city manager; Georges spoke briefly to express readiness to lead staff and continue city priorities.

The meeting closed with outgoing mayoral remarks, an accounting of the year’s events under the mayor’s 'Celebrate Newport' theme, and adjournment.