Former Mayor Thomas Aujero Small announces Council Campaign

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Former Culver City Mayor and Councilmember Thomas Aujero Small today announced his candidacy for the Culver City City Council, bringing a proven record of local leadership, six additional years of regional public service, and a renewed commitment to building on the progress that has made Culver City one of Southern California's most innovative and vibrant communities.

During his service on the Culver City Council from 2016 to 2020, Small earned a reputation as a thoughtful, collaborative leader who brought people together to solve difficult challenges while protecting the qualities that make Culver City unique.

His accomplishments include championing historic renter protections that helped shield Culver City renters during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. He supported Measure RE, which has generated nearly $50 million to strengthen the City's long-term financial stability while funding essential services, including emergency response, homelessness programs, parks, and infrastructure.

Small also championed the Ballona Creek Revitalization Project, advancing a vision to expand park space, strengthen neighborhood connections, improve climate resilience, and restore one of Culver City's most important environmental corridors. His leadership helped secure a major state grant to extend the Ballona Creek Bikeway, bringing the long-planned project significantly closer to construction.

He also worked to end urban oil drilling in the Inglewood Oil Fields, protecting public health while advancing Culver City's commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Beyond Culver City, Small represented the Westside Council of Governments on the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Transportation Policy Committee. He secured grants from the national Mayors Innovation Project to fund collaborations with the National Institute for Civil Discourse and the Harvard Behavioral Insights Group and worked with the RAND Corporation on initiatives exploring civic engagement, evidence-based governance, and strategies to strengthen public trust.

Combining his passion for the arts, architecture, and thoughtful urban design, Small worked closely with major development projects to ensure they strengthened the character of Culver City. His leadership helped guide the continued revitalization of Downtown Culver City, including the creation of the beloved Culver Steps, now one of the City's signature gathering places and recently home to free FIFA World Cup watch parties for residents and visitors alike.

Before his election to the City Council, Small served on the Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission, where he helped established the City's Artist Laureate program and helped bring an international film festival to Culver City, lasting initiatives that continue to enrich the City's cultural life today.

"The work of building a great city is never finished," Small said. "Serving on the City Council was one of the greatest honors of my life because together we accomplished things that continue to benefit Culver City today."

"But our city is always evolving, and new opportunities call for experienced leadership that knows how to bring people together, solve problems, and think beyond the next election," Small continued. "I'm running because I believe Culver City's best days are still ahead, and I want to continue the work we started while preparing our city for the future."

Small's campaign begins with the endorsement of Culver City Mayor Freddy Puza and Vice Mayor Bubba Fish, reflecting strong confidence from the City's current leadership.

"Thomas has always led with integrity, thoughtfulness, and an unwavering commitment to Culver City," Mayor Freddy Puza said. "His record of accomplishment speaks for itself, and the regional relationships and experience he has built over the past six years will make him an even stronger advocate for our community."

"I'm proud to support Thomas because I know he'll continue putting Culver City first."

Vice Mayor Bubba Fish added, "Thomas never stopped serving this community. Whether on the City Council or through his regional leadership, he's always been focused on making Culver City stronger. He's someone who listens, brings people together, and delivers results."

"I'm excited to support his campaign and welcome his leadership back to the City Council."

Although his Council term concluded in 2020, Small never stepped away from public service.

He founded Culver City Forward, a public-private initiative designed to bring together residents, community organizations, and Culver City's leading media and technology companies to help shape the City's future. While the initiative was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, it reflected Small's long-standing belief that strong partnerships between the public and private sectors can improve quality of life for every resident.

Over the past six years, Small has continued to expand his leadership across the Los Angeles region. He has served as Chair of the Los Angeles Metro Sustainability Council and helped curate the Los Angeles Verde Exchange Conference, where he developed programs on urban planning and mobility, international crisis response, and community resilience.

His work has included collaborations with RAND to engage residents in the aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires. Beyond these efforts, Small serves on the advisory boards of the Urban Land Institute Los Angeles and the Thomas Mann House, an international forum dedicated to democracy and transatlantic dialogue.

This September, Small will publish Music and Architecture in Harmony, reflecting his lifelong interest in the intersection of design, culture, and community principles that have shaped his public service throughout his career.

"Public service doesn't begin or end with holding elected office," Small said. "Over the last several years, I've continued working to bring people together, solve problems, and build relationships across our region. Those experiences have given me a broader perspective and stronger partnerships that I believe will directly benefit Culver City."

In addition to the endorsements of Mayor Puza and Vice Mayor Fish, Small has earned the support of former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, internationally acclaimed theater director Peter Sellars and Grammy Award-winning composer Vijay Iyer and a growing coalition of civic, business, and community leaders.

Thomas Small and his wife, Joanna Brody, raised their two children in Culver City and have remained active members of the community they proudly call home.

For more information about Thomas Small's campaign, upcoming events, or volunteer opportunities, visit SmallforCulverCity.com.