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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces intense backlash after proposing a $500,000 payout for wildfire recovery leader Steve Soboroff, forcing a hasty reversal amid public outrage.
At a Glance
- Mayor Bass initially planned to pay Steve Soboroff $500,000 for 90 days of work as wildfire recovery chief
- Public outcry led to both Soboroff and Randy Johnson agreeing to work pro bono
- Compensation was to come from undisclosed charitable funds, not city money
- Critics labeled the proposed payments as “obscene” and “gross”
- The controversy marks Bass’s second recent reversal following public criticism
Mayor’s Costly Misstep Sparks Outrage
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass found herself in hot water after proposing substantial compensation for wildfire recovery leaders Steve Soboroff and Randy Johnson. The initial plan to pay Soboroff $500,000 and Johnson $250,000 for their efforts in managing the city’s wildfire recovery process quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism. The proposed payments, which were to come from undisclosed charitable funds, were swiftly denounced as excessive and inappropriate given the context of disaster recovery.
The backlash was immediate and fierce, with public figures and residents alike expressing their dismay at what they perceived as profiteering from a disaster. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez did not mince words, labeling the proposed payments as “obscene.” The controversy threatened to undermine not only Soboroff’s effectiveness in his role but also Mayor Bass’s efforts to restore confidence in the city’s recovery plans.
Swift Reversal Amid Growing Pressure
Facing mounting pressure, Mayor Bass quickly backtracked on the compensation plan. In a statement that attempted to quell the growing controversy, Bass announced that both Soboroff and Johnson had agreed to work without pay. The mayor’s office stated, “Steve is always there for LA. I spoke to him today and asked him to modify his agreement and work for free. He said yes. We agree that we don’t need anything distracting from the recovery work we’re doing.”
Faced with fierce criticism over her chief wildfire recovery officer’s planned salary of $500,000 for 90 days of work, Mayor Karen Bass reversed course Saturday evening and said Steve Soboroff would receive no compensation
w @DavidZahniser @dakotacdsmithhttps://t.co/cZb3OeqFX8
— Julia Wick (@sherlyholmes) February 9, 2025
This reversal marked the second time in recent memory that Mayor Bass had to change course following public criticism, raising questions about her administration’s decision-making process and its ability to gauge public sentiment accurately. The controversy also highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding the charitable organizations that were to fund the positions, as the mayor’s office did not disclose their identities or how the funding was raised.
Soboroff Defends Initial Compensation Plan
Steve Soboroff, a real estate developer and civic official with a history of volunteer roles in Los Angeles, attempted to justify the initial compensation plan. He emphasized the unique nature of the request and the significant responsibilities he was assuming. “I’ve been doing this for 35 years for free on some of the biggest civic projects for the city of Los Angeles. But nobody ever asked me to drop everything. This time they did,” Soboroff explained.
Soboroff’s role as chief recovery officer involved coordinating with federal agencies and advising on infrastructure rebuilding, tasks that he argued justified the substantial compensation. However, his defense did little to assuage public anger, with many questioning the ethics of profiting from recovery efforts, regardless of the funding source.
Lingering Questions and Future Challenges
As the dust settles on this controversy, questions remain about the effectiveness of Los Angeles’s wildfire recovery efforts. Residents of affected areas, such as Pacific Palisades, have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and leadership in the recovery process. The incident has also brought to light tensions between Mayor Bass and Soboroff, with reports of miscommunication and differing opinions on key decisions.
“He’s getting paid $500,000 for 3 months of work? And they call this a charity. Gross. Offensive.” – Ric Grenell
As Los Angeles continues to grapple with the aftermath of devastating wildfires, the city’s leadership faces the challenge of rebuilding not only physical infrastructure but also public trust. The controversy surrounding Soboroff’s compensation serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny faced by public officials and the importance of transparency in disaster recovery efforts.