
Glendale City Councilmember Ara Najarian was selected to serve as the City’s Mayor at the April 15th Council meeting. He takes over the position from outgoing Mayor Elen Asatryan. This marks Najarian’s fifth term as Mayor, having previously served in the role from 2007 to 2008, 2010 to 2011, 2015 to 2016, and 2019 to 2020.
With decades of public service experience, Mayor Najarian brings to the role an understanding of the city’s needs and a commitment to maintaining Glendale’s position as a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking community. Throughout his years on the Council, he has championed prudent financial management, smart development, improved transportation, and public safety. He is committed to preserving Glendale’s natural landscapes and open space while balancing growth with environmental considerations.
In addition to his extensive civic leadership, Najarian is a practicing attorney and has served on several regional transportation and planning boards, including the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink). In these roles, he has advocated for improved public transit options.
“As someone who has dedicated much of my life to serving this incredible city, I am honored and humbled to once again step into the role of Mayor,” stated Najarian. “I look forward to working alongside my Council colleagues, city staff, and most importantly, our residents, to ensure Glendale continues to thrive as a safe, sustainable, and welcoming city for all.
City Manager Roubik Golanian expressed his support for Mayor Najarian’s selection, stating, “Mayor Najarian brings a wealth of experience, thoughtful leadership, and a deep connection to the Glendale community. I look forward to working with him on advancing city priorities and ensuring a successful year ahead.”