Santa Clarita Councilmember Jason Gibbs Joins Metro Board, Signals Shift on Transit Priorities

New Metro Board Member Appointed

Santa Clarita City Councilmember Jason Gibbs has been elected to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) board. This appointment marks a change in representation for the North L.A. County and San Fernando Valley subregion, with Gibbs set to replace outgoing boardmember Glendale City Councilmember Ara Najarian. Gibbs’ election is a significant development for regional transportation policy, as he has publicly stated his interest in shifting Metro’s focus towards supporting freeways and driving, while advocating for reduced emphasis on transit and active transportation.

The election process for Metro board subregional representatives involves a two-step procedure. Gibbs secured his position by winning a population-weighted election at the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee North County/San Fernando Valley Corridor meeting. This subregion encompasses a significant number of cities, including Agoura Hills, Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Hidden Hills, La Cañada Flintridge, Lancaster, Malibu, Palmdale, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Westlake Village. Santa Clarita, Gibbs’ home city and the most populous in the subregion, holds a substantial voting bloc, contributing nearly a quarter of the total votes.

Gibbs emerged victorious by a narrow margin, winning by a single vote out of 99 cast in the subregional election. He was one of three candidates vying for the position, alongside Glendale City Councilmember Dan Brotman and Palmdale Mayor Eric Ohlsen. The subregion’s selection is typically followed by a ratification vote by city representatives across all of L.A. County, which is generally considered a formality. This ratification is expected to take place on July 30.

Gibbs’ Background and Stated Priorities

Gibbs, a Republican, was first elected to the Santa Clarita City Council in 2020. Professionally, he is a mechanical engineer with experience in the aerospace industry. His political platform, as indicated on his campaign website, emphasizes support for law enforcement, border security, education, and local control, while opposing tax increases. His recent statement at the election meeting indicating a preference for freeways and driving over transit and active transportation suggests a potential divergence from current Metro strategies that have increasingly focused on expanding public transit options and promoting non-vehicular travel.

This North County/Valley seat is one of two positions on the 13-member Metro board that are confirmed to be changing hands. In addition to Najarian’s departure, Whittier Councilmember Fernando Dutra is also leaving the board. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson is slated to join the board, and now Gibbs will fill the other vacant seat. The composition of the Metro board could see further changes depending on the outcome of the Los Angeles City mayor’s race, as the mayor holds sway over four board seats.

The implications of Gibbs’ appointment and his stated priorities for the future of transportation in Los Angeles County are significant. As the region continues to grapple with issues of traffic congestion, housing affordability, and climate change, the balance of investment and policy between traditional infrastructure like freeways and the expansion of sustainable transportation options will be a critical area of focus. Gibbs’ perspective may influence upcoming decisions on major transit projects, funding allocations, and the overall strategic direction of Metro.

The North County/San Fernando Valley corridor, which Gibbs will now represent, is characterized by its suburban nature and a historically strong reliance on personal vehicles. His election from this area, coupled with his stated preferences, could amplify the voice for car-centric infrastructure within the Metro board’s deliberations. This contrasts with the broader regional goals often articulated by Metro, which include expanding rail and bus networks, improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and encouraging a modal shift away from single-occupancy vehicles.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Appointed Board Member | Jason Gibbs (Santa Clarita City Councilmember) |
| Replaces | Ara Najarian (Glendale City Councilmember) |
| Subregion Represented | North L.A. County and San Fernando Valley |
| Stated Priority | More Metro support for freeways and driving; less for transit and active transportation |
| Election Outcome | Won subregional election by one vote out of 99 |
| Next Step | Ratification vote by L.A. County city representatives on July 30 |

Future Considerations for Metro

Gibbs’ tenure on the Metro board will likely be closely watched by various stakeholders, including transit advocates, urban planners, and residents across the county. His influence could shape the debate on how to best address the complex transportation challenges facing Southern California. Decisions regarding the funding and development of new transit lines, the maintenance and expansion of the freeway system, and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector will all be areas where his perspective will be tested and impactful. The ongoing political landscape, including the L.A. City mayoral race, adds another layer of complexity to the potential shifts in board composition and policy direction.

Source: Streetsblog LA, https://la.streetsblog.org/2026/07/15/santa-clarita-councilmember-jason-gibbs-elected-to-metro-board

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