News release
The city of Santa Clarita announced Wednesday that Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Ayala has been selected to serve on the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority board of directors, the regional body responsible for shaping transportation policy and investments across Los Angeles County.
A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled 9 a.m. Thursday in Council Chambers at Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd.
Ayala brings more than a decade of public service and transportation policy experience at the state, regional and local levels, said the release from the city.
She serves as a director of the Los Angeles County North County Transportation Coalition, representing Santa Clarita and working alongside regional leaders to advance transportation priorities throughout North Los Angeles County.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to represent Santa Clarita and our North County, San Fernando Valley and Malibu-Las Virgenes communities on the Metro Board,” Ayala said in the city release. “As the third-largest city in Los Angeles County, Santa Clarita brings an important perspective to regional transportation conversations, and I am proud to bring my experience and passion for public service to this role. Transportation is ultimately about connecting people to their jobs, schools, businesses, families and communities. I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members, local leaders, businesses and transportation partners to help shape the future of transportation and strengthen connections throughout Los Angeles County.”
Prior to joining the Santa Clarita City Council, Ayala served as an aide to legislators in the state Assembly and Senate.
During her time in the Legislature, she collaborated with Caltrans, Metro, Metrolink and other transportation agencies while advocating for infrastructure, mobility, safety and transportation resources for communities throughout the districts she represented, the release said.
“I also want to thank Ara Najarian for his many years of dedicated service on the Metro board and for being such a strong advocate for the communities he represented,” Ayala added, referring to the longtime Glendale mayor and Metro board member. “Ara has spent years making sure the needs of the North County and San Fernando Valley are heard, and our entire region has benefited from his leadership and commitment. I am grateful for his service and look forward to building on the strong foundation he has helped create.”
As a member of the Metro board, Ayala will participate in regional discussions and decisions regarding transportation programs, policies, projects and investments affecting communities throughout Los Angeles County.
She will represent the cities of Agoura Hills, Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Hidden Hills, La Cañada Flintridge, Lancaster, Malibu, Palmdale, San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Westlake Village.
For more information on the Metro Board and its meetings, visit BoardAgendas.metro.net.
