The Los Angeles City Council approved the appointment of Navdeep Singh (Duncan) Sachdeva to the Central Area Planning Commission (APC) on Jan.22.
LA Mayor Karen Bass nominated Sachdeva, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the third individual of the Sikh faith to hold an appointed position in the city government.
He joins the ranks of Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah, who served on the Cultural Heritage and Hollywood Art Commission, and Nirinjan Singh Khalsa, who was part of the Human Relations Commission.
In his acceptance statement, Sachdeva expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "I am honored to serve on the Central Area Planning Commission and grateful for the trust placed in me by Mayor Karen Bass and the Los Angeles City Council.”
He also said, “This role carries a profound responsibility to ensure that land use decisions are made fairly, equitably, and in the best interest of all stakeholders. With my background in real estate and community engagement, I will work to uphold transparency, balance economic development with neighborhood integrity, and contribute to a planning process that reflects the needs of both current residents and future generations."
The APC, one of seven regional commissions in LA, holds quasi-judicial authority over land use and zoning matters within its district.
As a commissioner, Sachdeva will oversee appeals related to land use determinations, including conditional use permits, variances, zoning adjustments, and parcel map decisions. The commission's rulings have a direct impact on economic development, housing policy, and neighborhood planning, making it a key body in shaping the city's urban landscape.
While some decisions may be appealed to the City Council, the APC plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Los Angeles General Plan, Community Plans, and Zoning Code.
Sachdeva brings over a decade of experience in real estate asset and portfolio management and is well-equipped for the role.
His professional background, coupled with his civic engagement, including his service on the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council and the Los Feliz Improvement Association, positions him to make decisions that balance economic growth with community well-being.
With Los Angeles facing ongoing challenges in housing, infrastructure, and economic growth, Sachdeva’s appointment is seen as crucial in guiding the city toward sustainable, community-driven development.
His leadership is expected to bring a balanced approach to urban planning, reflecting the needs of both current residents and future generations.
Before this, Sachdeva served as the President of Moka Wholesale LLC, where he led business development and advocated for fair business practices in the hospitality industry, focusing on promoting economic opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Previously, he was vice president at Singh Group of Companies, driving business growth and ensuring equitable opportunities, and VP of Information Technology at Draccon Corporation, where they developed multi-channel sales and shipping solutions.
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