Former L.A. City Budget Czar on the Fiscal Quagmire Ahead

Miguel Santana, former chief administrative officer for the city of Los Angeles during the Great Recession, comments on the realities revenue-starved city budgets.

1 minute read

April 27, 2020, 11:00 AM PDT

By Clare Letmon


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On Sunday, April 19, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti delivered a 'City Under Attack' state of the city address amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that has shut down all non-essential businesses in the state, wrought unforeseen economic hardship, and killed at least 729 people in L.A. County to date. The Planning Report spoke with Miguel Santana, city of Los Angeles chief administrative officer during the Great Recession, who comments on the reality of operating under revenue-starved city budgets.

Santana urges thoughtful planning and focused priorities as the city responds to the virus and the fiscal quagmire ahead. As the current president and CEO of Fairplex, the home of the Los Angeles County Fair, Santana also gives readers insight into the transition that nonprofit organization has made to serve the community during this public health emergency.

"In the same way that the private sector will have to reinvent itself and adapt to this new reality that was emerging prior to COVID-19, government will have to do the same in very bold ways we hadn't thought about before." 

For the full interview, visit us at The Planning Report.


Wednesday, April 22, 2020 in The Planning Report

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