South Lake Tahoe, CA, (December 13, 2023) – In a decisive move during the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 12, Council Members announced the appointment of Cody Bass as the new Mayor and John Friedrich as the Mayor Pro Tempore (Pro Tem). The duo assumes their roles for a one-year term, steering the city through various responsibilities until November 2024.
Mayor Cody Bass, elected to City Council in November 2018 and subsequently re-elected in November 2022 for a 4-year term, brings a wealth of experience to the position. Previously serving as Mayor Pro Tem in December 2022, Bass has been actively involved in multiple regional boards and commissions during 2023. His extensive commitments include positions on the Tahoe Transportation District, PADMA, and the Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority Board. Additionally, Mayor Bass represented South Lake Tahoe on several crucial committees, such as the El Dorado County Transportation Commission, El Dorado County 2×2, Charter City Subcommittee, Multi-Cultural Alliance Subcommittee, Mental Health Subcommittee, Capital Improvement Program Subcommittee, and the South Shore Transit Subcommittee.
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Mayor Bass stated, “I am proud to be appointed the Mayor and look forward to serving the City of South Lake Tahoe. As we have so many great projects in the works, I also look forward to leading the city during this exciting time.”
Mayor Pro Tem John Friedrich, originally elected to City Council in November 2020, has demonstrated his commitment to public service. In 2023, he contributed significantly as a member of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board and represented the city on the STPUD Subcommittee, LTUSD 2×2, and the Multi-Cultural Alliance Subcommittee.
The annual selection of a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem is a customary practice for the City Council, occurring each December. In their appointed roles, Mayor Bass and Mayor Pro Tem Friedrich will align their efforts with the City’s Strategic Priorities and Goals, ensuring the continued progress and well-being of South Lake Tahoe.
Cody Bass, the founder and owner of Tahoe Wellness Center, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the community, championing sensible change and embodying the ethos of local representation. With a tenure spanning over 15 years, his dispensary is touted as
“Lake Tahoe’s Original Locally Owned Cannabis Dispensary.”
Bass is commitment to the city’s well-being is underscored by a belief in budgetary priorities that resonate with the needs of residents and local businesses. In an interview with SouthTahoeNow.com, he emphasized the importance of directing resources toward public safety and infrastructure, particularly roads.
A vocal advocate for fostering a city culture that collaborates with existing businesses and properties, Bass opposes the trend of courting external corporations. His vision is rooted in supporting local enterprises, nurturing a thriving community, and steering away from corporate influence.
Having secured his reelection in the general election on November 8, 2022, Bass’s influence expanded when he was selected by the City Council to serve as mayor pro tem on December 13. In this elevated role, he continues to shape the city’s trajectory and policies.
Beyond his civic duties, Bass wears another hat as the owner of the Tahoe Wellness Center, a cornerstone in the local cannabis landscape since January 2009. His role in the cannabis industry extends nationally, serving as an elected board member of the National Cannabis Industry Association since May 2015. With over 1500 cannabis businesses under its umbrella, the association actively lobbies for cannabis policy reform on Capitol Hill, with Bass contributing his insights during his second term on the board.
Bass encapsulates his civic philosophy in a notable quote:
“The direction given by our community leaders should align consistently with the will of the voting public, along with every resident of our community, being thoughtful of the environment, working hard to support the local economy, and encouraging healthy growth and sustainable development far into the future.”
As South Lake Tahoe navigates its future, Cody Bass stands at the forefront, steering the community towards responsible and community-focused governance.
