About me
I prevailed in my efforts on downtown projects such as AEG, garnering city financial aid and favorable zoning for Staples Center, subsidies for new hotels, and my support was crucial to the L.A. Live complex of theaters and restaurants.


I see myself as a strategic job creator
I ran the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD). EWDD provides a broad range of programs offering assistance to business, job seekers and disconnected youth. All of EWDD’s programs are designed to help build local business and strengthen the workforce.
I currently serve as the executive director of the Infrastructure Funding Alliance, a national initiative to meet future infrastructure, economic development, and environmental challenges. The organization’s mission is to develop and advocate approaches and strategies that motivate government at all levels to implement environmentally and fiscally sustainable infrastructure projects.



Here are some of my career highlights
Increased ‘green space’ in South Los Angeles leading to more than $73 million dollars in improvements.
Developed the Augustus Hawkins Wetlands, the first man-made wetland in an urban area, and the Jan Perry Wetlands, which is 10 acres in South Los Angeles.
Developed 5,670 affordable housing units including permanent supportive housing for those formerly homeless.
Established the full continuum of care for homeless services, including expansion of the City’s emergency shelter program and development of thousands of units of permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless.
Worked with non-profit housing developers to ensure housing for working families, seniors, recently emancipated foster youths, and formerly homeless individuals.
Developed Dept. of Public Works Project Labor Agreement and Public Infrastructure Stabilization Ordinance, guaranteeing the hiring of local residents at nearly 100 public works projects for the City of L.A. This template has been used by Metropolitan Transportation Authority projects and applied to major catalytic projects citywide. It ensures 30% local hiring and provides for apprenticeships and disadvantaged worker job opportunities.
I continue to work on projects that are intended to rebuild communities and bring jobs with benefits to people who need it most.




