Joe Lacava elected San Diego City Council president in unanimous 9-0 vote

Joe Lacava was elected council president of the San Diego City Council in a unanimous 9-0 vote at a special meeting on Dec. 10, 2024.

Council Member Kent Lee formally nominated Lacava, saying it was “my honor, today to nominate council president Pro Tem Joe Lacava, to serve as our next council president.” The motion was seconded and supported by members who highlighted Lacava’s record on community planning, climate initiatives and collaborative leadership. City Clerk Diana Fuentes announced, “And that passes unanimously 9 to 0.”

Why this matters: The council president presides over deliberations, chairs rules and committee assignments in many cases, and helps set priorities for council business. Several members framed the choice as important for steering upcoming budget and infrastructure work and for maintaining council independence from the mayor’s office.

Council members praised Lacava on the record. Council Member Whitburn thanked him for “your thoughtful approach” and cited his role in a downtown homelessness initiative; Council Member Campillo recalled working with Lacava on community planning efforts. Council Member Moreno emphasized Lacava’s commitment to equity and infrastructure in historically underserved neighborhoods.

The nomination followed public testimony during which several speakers offered endorsements and others raised concerns about city policy and council conduct. A disruptive participant who made civil-rights claims was escorted from the chambers by security after repeated warnings that the conduct violated council rules.

Next steps: Lacava will preside as council president; the council recessed briefly after the vote and reconvened with Lacava in the chair to continue the agenda. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.