Rick Cole is the Executive Director of the Congress for the New Urbanism which advocates for the architecture of community in America’s cities and towns. He also teaches urban policy at Occidental College. He spent thirty years in public service, including stints as Deputy Mayor for the City of Los Angeles and City Manager in three California communities, Santa Monica, Ventura, and Azusa.
Prior to that he spent twelve years on the Pasadena City Council, including a term as Mayor. Rick has been recognized as one of “America's Public Officials of the Year” by Governing Magazine and one of the "Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers" by Government Technology Magazine. He has won numerous awards for municipal management excellence and urban planning leadership.