Andy Gilman
Current Mayor of Ojai and Director of the Agora Foundation
October 8, 2026
Why I'm Supporting the Current City Council in the Upcoming Election
I have been honored and grateful to serve as your Mayor for this two-year term, and will continue to work seriously and actively for Ojai’s well being for as long as you will have me. We have accomplished some incredible goals but there is still much to do. This Council has furthered affordable housing projects, worked to reduce fire risk, undertook large climate resiliency projects, and established needed funding for the arts, our parks, and human services. Through this we have maintained an over 100% operating budget reserve, and have also learned where we need to improve and strengthen our policies, our capabilities, and our oversight.
This Council, along with our bolstered staff and legal firm, have brought more civility, order, and efficacy to the City. The working relationships with our partners (e.g. County of Ventura, Ojai Unified School District, Ventura County Sheriff and Fire Departments, Casitas Municipal Water District, Ojai non-profits, Congress member Carbajal, Senator Limón, Assembly member Bennet) are stronger than they have been in years, yielding substantial financial, residential, and cultural support for Ojai. We have worked hard to establish significant goals, and are well poised to continue this work and to improve. With these strengths and challenges in mind, I believe Ojai is best served in the reelections of our current Council Members.
As Mayor, my job is to work well with all who are elected, and I will always strive to do so. Council Members Lang and Rule have helped to bring about a renewal in Ojai that is balanced, reasonable, and has enthusiastic vision. I do not always vote the way they do, but I respect them, learn from them, and feel we are part of a team endeavoring every day to have the best City governance possible. I have serious reservations about Jordan Garst and Larry Steingold as Council Members, and worry that their elections could return the City to a time of entrenchment, insecurity, and severed relationships.
I trust in democracy and in an informed electorate. Please do your homework, go beyond the soundbites, the social media posts, and the gossip. Press your candidates for details on their claims and their promises, and please encourage all to vote November 3rd.
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Andy Gilman
October 8, 2026
Upcoming Public Events:
The next Brown Bag Lunch will take place in Libbey Park from 12:00-1:00PM on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (changing to Tuesdays from Mondays). I will also be at the Farmers Market from 4:00-5:00PM on Thursday, October 29. Reach out any time to schedule a meeting in town.
June 30, 2026
The City of Ojai breaks ground on the Permanent Supportive Housing Project.
The City of Ojai Goals, and my goals moving forward:
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Affordable Housing
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Wildfire Safety and Risk Mitigation
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Arts, Culture and Recreation Funding
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Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvement
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Public Safety
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Diversifying Economy/Tourism Management
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Climate Resiliency
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Financial Stability
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Communication and Relationships
City of Ojai Goals and Tactics in Detail
I have been honored and grateful to serve as Ojai's Mayor for this two-year term. We have accomplished some incredible goals but there is still much to do. This Council has furthered several affordable housing projects, worked to reduce fire risk, undertook large climate resiliency projects, and established needed funding for the arts, our parks, and human services. We have improved public safety and infrastructure and are striving to diversify our economy through careful study and community collaborations. Through this momentum we have maintained strong finances and a 100% budget reserve. We have also learned where we need to improve, strengthen our policies, and develop strategies to maintain what we love about Ojai while evolving with aim and purpose.
About
Andy Gilman
My family, Gilmans on my father's side and Melleins on my mother's, have been here since 1958.
I attended Topa Topa, Matilija, Nordhoff, Chaparral, Ventura College, Cal Arts (commuted to Valencia while working here), and then St. John's College in New Mexico for graduate school.
My teenage work history began at Grey Gables (now The Gables), cleaning the carpets at Bayless Market (now Big Westridge), cooking at Sea Fresh, and waiting tables at Wheeler Hot Springs, among many other adventures. I worked at BST on Bryant Circle for 18 years, Oak Grove School for 9 years, and have been the Director of the Agora Foundation since 2006, full time since 2018. I'm blessed by my lovely wife
Kate Komaiko, my sister Felicia, my father Andy, three fantastic adult children - Nici, Sinead, and Noah,
and a new grandchild Ezra!
My career and interests have offered me many inspiring opportunities to grow:
Facilitated / participated in over 1,600 great books seminars, of the East and the West, both online and onsite for adults, including training teachers
Facilitated / produced / participated in over 39 civil discourse panels and interviews on local and national issues, including water and tourism
Created and managed budgets, both large and small, working with vendors and contractors, leading teams and stakeholders to achieve annual goals
Managed grant writing, fundraising, data analysis, event planning, and
communications, including print and web design, social media, and writing