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Planning Commission honors outgoing commissioner Michelle Perez and proposes mentorship program
Summary
Commissioners and staff paid tribute to Michelle Perez at her final meeting, praising her steady leadership and mentorship; members proposed a structured onboarding and mentorship program to retain institutional knowledge for new commissioners.
The Planning Commission on Nov. 5 recognized Commissioner Michelle Perez at her final meeting, with commissioners and staff praising her calm leadership, institutional knowledge and willingness to mentor newer members.
"It has been such a joy and privilege to serve with you on a planning commission," the chair said, presenting a certificate and speaking about Perez’s “calm presence” and “genuine care for people.” Deputy Mayor (speaker 3) added that Perez’s attention to stakeholders and public testimony made the commission’s work stronger and noted Perez had offered to mentor incoming commissioners.
Multiple commissioners reflected on Perez’s steadying influence and practical guidance for new members. Commissioner 9 said Perez had been “very insightful” and “always constructive,” while Commissioner 6 praised Perez for helping new members understand complex projects.
The discussion produced a concrete suggestion: several commissioners urged establishing a formal mentorship or onboarding program so departing commissioners who want to continue supporting the commission can transfer knowledge to new appointees. Chair and staff said they would start conversations with the city’s appointment staff and a staff liaison to design an onboarding sequence and optional one-on-one briefings for complex agenda items.
The meeting then continued with presentations on development trends and demographic data; no formal policy decisions related to the mentorship proposal were recorded at this session.
