General Manager of the LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Osama Younan on the shock his agency underwent and the department’s continuing transition away from in-person counter service to online systems to expedite city processes and provide physically distant essential service.
Mayor Pro Tempore of the City of Santa Monica, Terry O’Day, on the severe economic challenges Santa Monica is slated to face in the coming months and how the city—acclaimed for its mission-driven, nation-leading investments in livability—is realigning its spending priorities to survive the public health crisis at hand.
Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner on the extensive and unprecedented challenges the district—its students, families, faculty and staff—face in the transition to remote ‘distance learning.’
Miguel Santana recalls his time as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of LA during the Great Recession and comments on the reality of operating under revenue-starved city budgets.
Mark Ridley-Thomas and Darrell Steinberg, co-chairs of Governor Newsom's Council of Regional Homelessness Advisors, provide an update on state and local efforts to secure appropriate supportive housing for some of the state’s most vulnerable.
Rick Cole on the existential challenges cities must grapple to be a leading city in the 21st century and shares Santa Monica's incredible achievements during his 5 years as city manager and the sacrifices that remain as the city endures the challenges of COVID-19.
