Council appoints David Coher to the Pasadena Rental Housing Board after late‑night selection

The Pasadena City Council appointed David Coher to an at‑large seat on the Rental Housing Board at its April 6 meeting, filling an unexpired term that runs through May 24, 2027.

City staff had verified 11 initial applicants and presented 10 qualified candidates for council consideration after one withdrew. Applicants gave brief statements about their backgrounds; the pool included renters, property owners, housing professionals, mediators and people with municipal‑board experience. Council members used a ranked consensus tool to narrow choices before making a formal appointment by motion.

Council Member Cole moved to appoint David Coher; the motion was seconded and passed on a 5–0 roll call vote (Cole — yes; Hampton — yes; Jones — yes; Lion — yes; Msuda — yes; Rivas — yes; Mayor Gordo recused earlier and was not part of this tally). The council clerk announced remaining vacancies (two tenant‑member seats in Districts 2 and 4 and a second at‑large opening) and said staff will accept additional at‑large applications through April 29 for consideration at the May 4 meeting.

During the application phase, candidates described a range of relevant experience. Coher emphasized mediation and quasi‑judicial experience and said that experience would help the board as it increasingly handles appeals and hearing‑officer decisions. Other applicants cited landlord experience, affordable‑housing development expertise, experience representing tenants, and prior commission service.

The city clerk will transmit appointment paperwork to the new board member and continue to recruit for the remaining vacancies. Council members encouraged prospective applicants to apply by the posted deadline; staff said applicants already qualified will be carried forward to the May appointment process.