News Summary
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Mitch Kamin as her new chief of staff. Kamin, an experienced attorney specializing in nonprofit work, will begin his role on September 22. He replaces Carolyn Webb de Macias, marking the third chief of staff for Bass in under three years. Kamin’s extensive background in advocacy and social justice is expected to play a significant role in the mayor’s reform initiatives, particularly concerning housing and homelessness in the city.
Los Angeles – Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Mitch Kamin as her new chief of staff, marking a significant change in leadership in the mayor’s office. Kamin, a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in nonprofit work, is expected to play a crucial role in Bass’s ongoing reform initiatives across the city.
Kamin, who has a long history of advocating for underserved communities, will step into his new role on September 22. He takes over from Carolyn Webb de Macias, who has been in this position since November 2023. Webb de Macias initially planned to serve only for a year but remained in her role due to the challenges that arose following the January wildfires.
This appointment marks the third chief of staff for Mayor Bass in less than three years, indicating a rapid turnover rate compared to previous administrations. In her announcement, Bass characterized Kamin as a “seasoned leader and status quo disrupter,” underlining her confidence in his ability to lead her team effectively.
Mitch Kamin is a graduate of Alexander Hamilton High School, mirroring Mayor Bass’s own educational background. His vast experience spans both the nonprofit and legal sectors, including his previous positions as the general counsel and chief strategy officer for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which is set to open next year. Additionally, Kamin was a partner at the law firm Covington & Burling LLP, where he specialized in global commercial litigation and the entertainment and media industry.
Throughout his career, Kamin has highlighted his commitment to social justice and community service. He previously served as the president of Bet Tzedek Legal Services, a nonprofit organization that offers free legal assistance. During the Trump administration, he represented the city in a lawsuit against the Department of Justice, successfully preventing the federal government from tying immigration enforcement compliance to federal grant funding.
Kamin’s appointment as chief of staff comes at a time when leadership stability is particularly critical for Mayor Bass as the city faces numerous challenges, including ongoing reform efforts and homelessness. His involvement as a member of the commission overseeing the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and as president of the Housing Authority board reflects his strategic focus on housing and service issues in the city. However, his role in board decisions, including a controversial $1.2-million severance package to the agency’s former CEO, has drawn scrutiny from some community members.
Kamin’s predecessors, Carolyn Webb de Macias and Chris Thompson, have each played significant roles in shaping the mayor’s office. Thompson was the first chief of staff for Bass and led her transition team after her election. Previous chiefs of staff, like Ana Guerrero and Robin Kramer, served longer tenures, which has raised questions about the higher turnover rate seen in Bass’s administration.
Kamin’s new role will involve coordinating the various initiatives and teams under Mayor Bass, ensuring that the mayor’s vision for the city is effectively executed. Given his diverse background and commitment to advocacy, his leadership could represent a strategic pivot for the mayor as she seeks to implement widespread reforms and enhance services across Los Angeles.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Mayor Bass announces new chief of staff
- Wikipedia: Los Angeles
- Hoodline: Mayor Bass appoints Mitch Kamin as new chief of staff
- Google Search: Mayor Karen Bass
- MyNewsLA: Bass announces Mitch Kamin as new chief of staff
- Google Scholar: Los Angeles politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Los Angeles
- Google News: Los Angeles reform initiatives
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