Update

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson Joins Metro Board

Mayor Rex Richardson of Long Beach has been approved to join the 13-member Metro board, effective July 1, filling a vacancy left by the departure of Fernando Dutra.

Update Published 28 June 2026 2 min read Clara Whitfield

Cycling and Walking Street Safety Transit Reliability Urbanism

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Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson has been formally approved to join the 13-member Metro board, the primary transportation planning and funding agency for Los Angeles County. The L.A. County City Selection Committee unanimously ratified Richardson’s appointment, which takes effect on July 1.

Richardson will fill the vacancy created by the departure of Fernando Dutra, who previously represented the Gateway Cities sub-region on the Metro board. Dutra’s exit followed his unsuccessful bid for reelection to the Whittier City Council.

Por que importa

Richardson, who became the first Black mayor of Long Beach in 2022, is a Democrat known for his focus on housing and economic development. His reelection in June, securing 57 percent of the city vote, underscores his local support. Long Beach has a long-standing reputation as one of the most walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly cities within L.A. County, suggesting Richardson’s perspective may align with the city’s established priorities.

The Metro board is set to undergo further changes. Ara Najarian, a long-serving Glendale City Councilmember and former Mayor, is retiring at the end of the month. Najarian represents the North County/San Fernando Valley sector, and his replacement has yet to be elected by that sub-region. Additionally, the outcome of the L.A. City mayor’s race holds the potential to significantly alter the Metro board’s composition, as the L.A. Mayor directly controls four board seats.

Contexto

Key facts

Detail	Information
Appointee	Rex Richardson, Mayor of Long Beach
Board	Metro (Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
Effective Date	July 1
Vacancy	Gateway Cities representative, previously held by Fernando Dutra
Richardson’s Record	Champion of housing and economic development; first Black Mayor of Long Beach

Richardson’s appointment to the Metro board places him in a crucial position to influence regional transportation policy and investment. His tenure begins as Metro navigates ongoing projects and strategic planning for the future of public transit across L.A. County. His background in championing housing and economic development suggests a potential focus on how transportation infrastructure can support broader urban growth and livability. The inclusion of a mayor from a city recognized for its transit-friendliness could bring valuable insights to the board’s deliberations.

Source: Streetsblog LA – Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson Approved for Metro Board – https://la.streetsblog.org/2026/06/24/long-beach-mayor-rex-richardson-approved-for-metro-board