The San Diego City Council has unanimously confirmed Bethany Bezak to serve as the city's Chief Operating Officer, giving full approval to Mayor Todd Gloria's appointment.

In a statement released Monday, Gloria praised Bezak as an experienced leader with deep knowledge of city operations and strong respect for municipal employees. He expressed appreciation for the council's support and the careful review they conducted before voting.

Gloria said he chose Bezak for the position because of her track record in leadership and her ability to implement priorities effectively. He emphasized that her familiarity with the organization would be valuable in the role.

The mayor outlined several ongoing challenges facing the city that will require collaboration between his office, the new COO, and the council. These include expanding housing availability, ensuring public safety, addressing infrastructure needs, maintaining financial responsibility, and improving government responsiveness to residents.