Alex Rounaghi is a lifelong resident of Laguna Beach and the third generation of his family to live here, beginning with his grandfather, an artist. Alex was elected to the City Council in 2022. In 2024, he was unanimously selected by his colleagues to serve as Mayor, the youngest person to hold either office in the city's history. As a Councilmember, Alex has focused on the core competencies of local government: public safety, infrastructure, and government efficiency.

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Alex brings private sector and public policy experience to his role. In his day job, he works as a Senior Development Manager at City Ventures, an eco-friendly homebuilder, providing insight about how to maintain unique local character while complying with state mandates to retain local control. Before his election to City Council he served as Senior Policy Advisor to Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley on housing, homelessness, and public safety, and chaired Laguna Beach's Housing and Human Services Committee. 

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Alex serves on the Board of Directors of the Orangewood Foundation, which supports young people across Orange County with housing, education, and employment programs. A graduate of Laguna Beach public schools, Alex received his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College. 

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In 2025, during his Mayoral term, Alex was named on the Orange County Register’s list of the 125 Most Influential People in Orange County. The Register cited his leadership in civility, water reliability, and Irvine Bowl concerts, and his communication during the Rancho fire. Outside of his work and the Council, Alex can be found running the Greenbelt trails.

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