Laguna Beach City Council Selects Alex Rounaghi as Mayor and Mark Orgill as Mayor Pro Tem

Elected Councilmembers Bob Whalen and Hallie Jones Sworn Into Office

LAGUNA BEACH, CA – At a special City Council meeting on Monday, December 9, the newly inaugurated Laguna Beach City Council selected Alex Rounaghi as the City’s new Mayor and Mark Orgill as Mayor Pro Tem in front of an engaged audience.

Rounaghi, who has served on the City Council since 2022, emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility, environmental sustainability, and finding solutions to challenges like affordable housing and preserving the unique character of the city.

“I am honored to serve as Mayor of my hometown and to work with my City Council colleagues, our city staff, and this community. Together, we will continue to focus on core priorities: public safety, infrastructure, and efficient city services while honoring the unique character of the town we all love,” Rounaghi said. “As we prepare to celebrate our city’s 100th anniversary in 2027, this is a pivotal moment to achieve results on long-standing challenges. From reducing wildfire risk to ensuring local water and sewer reliability, protecting our environment, revitalizing downtown, creating housing for artists and seniors, and mitigating visitor impacts, we have important work ahead. While complex challenges rarely have easy solutions, I am confident in this Council and City Manager’s ability to deliver meaningful progress for our community.”

Mark Orgill, serving as Mayor Pro Tem, brings years of experience and passionate commitment to preserving the culture, values and charm of Laguna Beach. With an emphasis on addressing the needs of residents, Mark is focused on tackling the impacts of tourism, advancing environmental sustainability, and revitalizing the uniquely Laguna soul of the Downtown area. All of it adding up to a tireless, long-time dedication to a vibrant and sustainable future for the entire community.

“I am excited to work alongside Mayor Alex Rounaghi and fellow Councilmembers to continue building on our City’s tradition of thoughtful leadership,” said Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill. “Together, we will address the challenges that inherently come with growth and ensure that Laguna remains a special place for everyone who holds Laguna Beach in their heart.”

During Monday’s meeting, City Clerk Ann Marie McKay swore in newly elected Councilmember Hallie Jones and re-elected Councilmember Bob Whalen. Whalen, who was first elected to City Council in 2012, emphasized his ongoing commitment to addressing the city’s long-term needs.

“As I begin my fourth term, I remain focused on addressing the critical issues of wildfire safety, improving infrastructure, and preserving Laguna Beach’s environment and character,” said Councilmember Bob Whalen. “I’m eager to collaborate with my colleagues to ensure a sustainable and thriving future for our community.”

Jones, a Laguna Beach native with a strong background in environmental policy and community engagement, brings a fresh perspective to the City Council. She expressed her enthusiasm for working collaboratively to shape the city’s future.

“I’m honored to serve and look forward to working alongside my fellow Councilmembers to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Laguna Beach,” said Councilmember Hallie Jones. “I look forward to working together to protect our environment, improve the quality of life for our residents, and ensure that Laguna remains a special place for generations to come.”

Outgoing Mayor Sue Kempf was honored for her impactful leadership and achievements, including her dedication to addressing wildfire insurance challenges, revitalizing downtown and commercial business areas, and establishing the Laguna Beach Stewardship and Visitor Impact Ad Hoc Committee with Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill to develop strategies for preserving the city’s distinctive environment, culture, and heritage.

"As I conclude my time as Mayor, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this incredible community. I am thrilled to welcome Alex Rounaghi as our new Mayor and Mark Orgill as Mayor Pro Tem. Their leadership, coupled with Bob Whalen’s experience and Hallie Jones’ fresh perspective, ensures a dynamic and collaborative City Council ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Together, we will continue to shape a bright future for Laguna Beach. Please join me in supporting this dedicated team as they work to serve our city with vision and purpose."

Outgoing Councilmember George Weiss was also recognized for his service during his tenure on the City Council.

The newly sworn-in Laguna Beach City Council now comprises Mayor Alex Rounaghi, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and Councilmembers Bob Whalen, Sue Kempf and Hallie Jones.

From L to R: City Councilmember Bob Whalen, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, City Councilmember Sue Kempf, Mayor Alex Rounaghi, City Councilmember Hallie Jones

From L to R: City Councilmember Bob Whalen, City Councilmember Hallie Jones, and City Treasurer Laura Parisi.

From L to R: City Clerk Ann Marie McKay, City Councilmember Bob Whalen, City Councilmember Hallie Jones, City Treasurer Laura Parisi.