California Construction News staff writer
Steve Soboroff has been appointed as Los Angeles’ chief recovery officer to lead the massive rebuilding and recovery efforts following the fires. Soboroff will work directly with the mayor and staff to develop a comprehensive strategy for restoring affected areas and ensuring the safe return of residents, businesses, workers, schools, nonprofits, libraries and parks.
The appointment follows an emergency executive order last week, which aimed to address immediate recovery needs.
Soboroff’s main responsibility will be to expedite the recovery process, focusing on clearing the way for residents to rebuild their homes and restore their communities.
“Steve understands our communities, knows how to mobilize City Hall, and has the expertise to engage public, business, and nonprofit sectors,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “He is the ideal person to lead this recovery effort, and together we will create a strategy to rebuild stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.”
Priorities for the first 90 days include:
- Working with city agencies, businesses, and residents to develop protocols for safely accessing properties and protecting them until residents can return.
- Developing a framework for implementing the mayor’s emergency executive order on debris removal and streamlined rebuilding approvals.
- Creating a plan to rebuild and reopen parks and libraries in affected areas.
- Establishing a resource-sharing system for best practices in debris removal, rebuilding, public infrastructure, and long-term economic recovery.
Soboroff is a well-known civic leader and real estate developer with significant experience in managing large-scale projects.
“Our mission is to create a clear, practical plan to restore the Palisades and other impacted areas,” he said. “The work starts now, and we ask everyone to contribute positively.”