Newport Beach council elects Lauren Kleinman mayor; lays out 2026 priorities

The Newport Beach City Council conducted its annual reorganization Dec. 9, nominating and electing Lauren Kleinman as mayor and Noah Blom as mayor pro tem.

Kleinman, speaking after her selection, framed a four‑point agenda for 2026 she summarized as the '4 C's': communication (including a planned overhaul of the city website and proactive outreach), connectivity (work with carriers to improve wireless coverage), customer service (training and tools for staff to speed permitting and services) and continued investment in public safety (training, equipment and staffing for police, fire and lifeguards).

Kleinman also acknowledged personnel changes in city government, welcoming Simone Georges as incoming city manager and praising department heads and staff for recent projects. The council then took a ceremonial photo to mark the reorganization.

Noah Blom won the mayor pro tem vote 4–3 in a paper‑ballot procedure; the meeting record shows the split in preferences among council members. The reorganizational votes concluded without contested procedural motions.

Kleinman said the year will emphasize tangible outcomes and service delivery to residents. “An engaged community is a strong community,” she told the council, and singled out plans to refresh communications and bolster public‑safety investments.

Councilmembers offered congratulations and brief remarks before the meeting moved to other business.