In the aftermath of the most destructive fires in California history, Los Angeles now faces a daunting challenge: rebuilding a city devastated by flames amidst political turmoil and competing interests.
As officials launch recovery efforts, the question of leadership has become convoluted, with various factions vying for influence.
Mayor Karen Bass has initially turned to Steve Soboroff, a seasoned civic leader, to spearhead a comprehensive strategy for recovery. However, Soboroff’s role has been significantly diminished since his appointment last April, creating uncertainty around the city’s rebuilding plans.
Billionaire developer Rick Caruso has also stepped into the spotlight, quickly assembling his own committee filled with notable figures from the construction and banking sectors of Los Angeles. This move has raised eyebrows, as critics question whether such an assembly serves the public interest or merely consolidates power among those already well-established in the community.
Further complicating matters, Miguel Santana and Evan Spiegel initiated ‘The Department of Angels,’ while Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, has pledged to establish his own leadership council to aid recovery.
In response to this muddied leadership landscape, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of ‘L.A. Rises,’ a philanthropic initiative designed to unify efforts across the city, guided by prominent figures like Mark Walter, Casey Wasserman, and Magic Johnson.
Amidst all this, Mayor Bass insists that she remains the ultimate authority on recovery, stating confidently, “Me, that’s the person that’s in charge.” However, the search for a recovery czar persists, underscoring the need for strong leadership capable of navigating this complexity.
The proposed czar must encompass a range of qualities: gravitas, strategic insight, and the ability to communicate effectively across various sectors. Furthermore, the czar should demonstrate political acumen and command respect from both the public and civic leaders.
Yet, the recovery czar will not be able to accomplish this monumental task alone.
To ensure comprehensive management of the recovery process, establishing a troika—a three-person team of experts—would be beneficial. This team would focus on different critical components of the recovery effort.
The first urgent responsibility would be the cleanup of hazardous waste, necessitating a knowledgeable individual with a background in science and engineering, specializing in soil remediation. It is imperative that this person ensures proper disposal and documentation, securing the safety of future rebuilding efforts.
Next, the troika should include an expert in urban planning. This member must have extensive knowledge in land use, zoning, and traffic, as their role would involve navigating the complexities of diverse stakeholders. The planning efforts need to prioritize community appeal, market demands, and considerations such as local topography and density regulations.
Finally, the third role in the troika must be filled by a professional with demonstrated engineering expertise in public works infrastructure. They would assess existing systems and recommend essential improvements to meet current and future needs, integrating new technologies as required to modernize L.A.’s infrastructure.
Choosing the right czar is as crucial as the appointment process itself. Benchmarking against past successful appointments, such as Peter Ueberroth’s 1984 role leading the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, would be insightful. At that time, the process involved broad collaboration among civic and political leaders, a method that could lend legitimacy and support to the new recovery czar’s mandate.
To achieve this, the czar should be selected based on recommendations from key stakeholders, including the mayor, city council president, the councilmember from Pacific Palisades, and relevant academic deans.
A transparent confirmation process, requiring a two-thirds vote from the city council, would further fortify the czar’s authority, allowing for clearer accountability in recovery efforts.
Moreover, it is advisable for the new czar to coordinate closely with a Deputy Mayor, providing transparency through monthly reports to the Public Works Department and quarterly updates to the city council.
While the terms “czar” and “troika” may evoke concerns about authoritarianism, in this context, they represent practical responses to a complex recovery challenge.
The czar symbolizes a need for focused, accountable leadership, while the troika illustrates the benefits of collaborative expertise. This framework aims not to overshadow democratic governance but to enhance it by driving impactful action alongside community engagement.
Time is of the essence as residents wait impatiently for tangible solutions to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of such devastation.
As the city grapples with the chaos of leadership and recovery planning, the urgency for decisive action has never been more pronounced.
For Los Angeles, finding the right czar and instituting a competent troika may be the prudent move needed to navigate the arduous journey of recovery ahead.
image source from：https://www.citywatchla.com/los-angeles/30975-only-a-czar-and-a-troika-can-guide-los-angeles-to-full-recovery-after-the-ravaging-fires
