Sacramento – In a first for the small town of Artesia in southeastern Los Angeles County, the California League of Cities Board of Directors elected Artesia board member Ali Sajjad Taj to the post. of president 2022-23. Council member Taj was installed Sept. 9 as part of the Cal Cities annual conference and expo.
“I have benefited both personally and professionally from my involvement with Cal Cities throughout my nine years in public service, and I am thrilled to give back as president,” Taj said. “I look forward to working alongside such capable, thoughtful and insightful local leaders as we advocate for policies that improve our communities and the lives of our residents.
Taj has served on the Artesia City Council since 2013 and, in another milestone, was the first Pakistani-American to be appointed mayor of Artesia; he was twice mayor.
Additionally, Taj is currently Chairman of the Eco-Rapid Transit Authority, a joint jurisdiction authority created to continue the development of a Santa Ana West Branch streetcar line that will run from Artesia to downtown Los Angeles. Member cities include Artesia, Bell, Bell Gardens, Cerritos, Cudahy, Downey, Glendale, Huntington Park, Maywood, Paramount, South Gate and Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority.
Taj represents Artesia on numerous regional boards and committees, including as a board member and vice president of the California Contract Cities Association.
Throughout his tenure on City Council, Taj has focused his efforts on solving everyday quality of life issues for Artesia residents by supporting projects that improve city lighting, street quality and safety. while advocating for new businesses that generate revenue for municipal services and provide new amenities for residents.
“Ali has been an insightful and valued member of Cal Cities for many years,” said Carolyn Coleman, executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities. “Ali brings his expertise, his commitment to public service and his dedication to the belief that effective, locally-led policymaking strengthens communities.”
Taj has worked in the financial services industry for two decades and has held several key leadership positions including District Manager, Regional Manager, General Manager and Vice President of multinational corporations like American Express, Ameriprise Financial, Weddell & Reed and TD Ameritrade.
At its meeting this week, the Cal Cities Board of Trustees also elected Fowler board member Daniel Parra as first vice president and Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton as second vice president. -president. Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Silva, who served as president from 2021-22, became past president.
