Culver City ushered in a new era last Monday night, marking a historic moment for the Southern California city as the City Council unanimously selected its next mayor, vice mayor and city manager before a packed audience at Mike Balkman Council Chambers.Council Member Freddy Puza was unanimously chosen to serve as Culver Citys mayor for 2026, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ mayor in the citys 108-year history. Puza, who was first elected to the City Council in 2022, will serve a 12-month term at a pivotal moment for the growing and increasingly diverse city.Joining him in leadership is Council Member Bubba Fish, who was unanimously selected as vice mayor. Fish, elected to the City Council in 2024, and Puza now form Culver Citys first openly LGBTQ+ mayorvice mayor duo, another milestone that reflects the citys evolving political and cultural landscape.The council also unanimously approved Odis Jones as Culver Citys next city manager. Jones will succeed John Nachbar, who served the city for 15 years and was widely praised for his tenure. Jones brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience in local and state governments across Texas, Ohio, Michigan and New Jersey, where he has served as city manager, CEO and executive director.Throughout his career, Jones has focused on economic development, public finance, organizational leadership and large-scale infrastructure and redevelopment projects. City officials highlighted his emphasis on transparency, equity, community engagement and collaboration as key strengths he brings to Culver City.Puzas remarks during the meeting struck a reflective and forward-looking tone, acknowledging both the citys past and its responsibility to shape a more inclusive future.This is a new day in Culver City, and Im honored to work with the new city manager to create new opportunities and a new way of operating in the city, Puza said. He spoke candidly about Culver Citys history as a former sundown town, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging that legacy while committing to a different path forward.We dont get to forget it. We dont get to pretend it didnt happen, Puza said. Were not responsible for the sins of the past, but we are absolutely responsible for the future we build.Puza underscored that Culver City stands firmly with immigrant families, LGBTQ+ residents and tenants, pledging that the city will actively protect civil rights and human dignity. His comments drew applause from attendees, many of whom described the moment as both emotional and overdue.Looking ahead, Puza outlined three major priorities for his term. These include advancing affordability and sustainability through stronger housing and climate initiatives; strengthening fiscal responsibility with clearer budgeting and increased public transparency; and raising Culver Citys profile by promoting it as a destination city for residents, businesses and visitors alike.Each goal, Puza said, is rooted in ensuring stability, belonging and opportunity for all who call Culver City home.Its a new day in Culver City, he said. Lets meet this moment with courage, with conviction and with a unified vision of what this city can be.Mayor Puza will preside over his first scheduled City Council meeting on Jan. 12, 2026. The full City Council meeting marking the leadership transition is available to watch on the citys official YouTube channel.For LGBTQ+ residents and advocates, the night represented more than a routine leadership change it marked a visible step toward representation, accountability and a future shaped by inclusion at the highest levels of city government.Source