Los Angeles is gearing up for major international events, and Mayor Karen Bass is making sure the city will put its best foot forward. In an announcement highlighted by the Mayor's office, Mayor Bass appointed new faces to the Board of Public Works, tasked with ensuring effective delivery of crucial city services. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Bass's choice of commissioners is central to her vision of transforming L.A. into a world-class host city.
The newly appointed commissioners come with a variety of experiences. Jenny Chavez is a former senior executive at the LA Tourism and Convention Board. Her track record includes significant infrastructure projects and working closely with local communities. Chavez vowed to ensure that businesses tap into city services to prosper, according to the Mayor's office statement. Veteran union leader John Grant is slated to bring his advocacy for workers to the commission, harnessing his substantial management experience for the people's benefit. Steve Kang will advocate for the Korean and Asian American communities, and Faith I. Mitchell, a former Administrative Law Judge, is expected to bring her mediation expertise to ensure quality services reach Angelenos.
Vahid Khorsand, who was reapproved by the Council in June 2022, will continue his role, ensuring the San Fernando Valley's voice is not overshadowed amidst the city's sprawling metropolis, as per the Office of the Mayor. His work has sharpened the efficacy of city service delivery, exemplified by a notable halving of the Office of Community Beautification's vendor invoice processing time.
The appointments aren't without a changing of the guard. Outgoing Commissioners like Aura Garcia, Teresa Villegas, Susana Reyes, and Dr. Mike Davis leave a legacy of enhanced community services and initiatives, from workforce development to sustainability programs. Ms. Garcia, as reported by the mayor's announcement, was praised for her programs improving Angelenos' quality of life and steady leadership in challenging times.
