Mike Bonin has been appointed as the new executive director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs (PBI) at Cal State LA, set to take office on May 1, 2025.
Bonin brings over two decades of expertise in government, politics, and public service to the role, which positions him to continue fostering the institute’s mission of social justice and civic engagement.
He will succeed Sascha Brown Rice, who has served as the interim executive director since 2024.
The Pat Brown Institute is a nonpartisan entity dedicated to promoting civic engagement, advancing inclusive public policy, and improving the quality of life for all Californians.
In a statement, Bonin expressed his enthusiasm for leading the institute, stating, “I am honored by the opportunity to lead the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, and I am eager to supercharge its mission of expanding public engagement with government.”
He emphasized his commitment to fostering effective leadership and developing policies that benefit the people of Los Angeles and California.
Bonin reflects on the values central to the Pat Brown Institute, including informing and educating the public, advancing smart public policy, and nurturing a new generation of leaders.
Cal State LA President Berenecea Johnson Eanes highlighted Bonin’s potential to galvanize youth engagement, raise awareness about pressing policy issues, and enhance the connection between public officials and their constituents.
Eanes remarked, “Mike will provide critical guidance in motivating young people to be engaged in their communities; raising awareness of timely policy issues, bringing public officials closer to their constituents; and supporting Cal State LA’s mission to serve as an anchor institution for the region.”
Bonin’s extensive political career includes a term as a member of the Los Angeles City Council from 2013 to 2022, representing the Westside.
During his tenure, he prioritized crucial issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, transportation, public safety, and climate change.
Some of his significant achievements include raising the city’s minimum wage, establishing renter protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, initiating the transition to clean energy, and providing free public transit for students.
Moreover, he worked on creating a public safety ambassadors program, modernizing the Los Angeles International Airport, and spearheading a services-led homeless housing initiative.
Following his time on the city council, Bonin transitioned into academia, teaching public policy at both Occidental College and Loyola Marymount University.
He has also held fellowships at the Open Society Foundations and the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future.
In addition, Bonin serves as a senior fellow with LA Forward Institute, an organization focused on civic engagement and education, and provides consulting for Local Progress, a national network of elected officials.
An advocate for effective communication on political matters, Bonin hosts the podcast What’s Next Los Angeles, discussing various political and public policy issues.
He co-hosts the well-regarded LA Podcast and has written extensively on topics of economic, racial, and social justice.
Bonin frequently contributes insights as a commentator on public affairs.
His work has garnered recognition for contributions to homelessness policy and environmental initiatives, earning accolades such as the Local Legislator Award from the National Homelessness Law Center and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Stonewall Democrats.
Bonin is an alumnus of Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in U.S. History.
He resides in Mar Vista, where he remains actively engaged in community issues.
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