BREAKING: Real estate developer Zach Sokoloff is shifting gears from a $1 billion Hollywood studio project to run for L.A.’s next city controller. This unexpected move comes just months after he secured City Council approval for the redevelopment of Television City, a historic studio property on Beverly Boulevard.
Sokoloff’s campaign launch is urgent as he faces incumbent Kenneth Mejia, who is vying for another four-year term in the June elections. Mejia, who garnered more votes than any other candidate in L.A. history in 2022, boasts a strong social media presence and significant voter support. Sokoloff, conversely, has never held public office, making this challenge particularly daunting.
The stakes are high for Sokoloff, especially with ongoing lawsuits threatening the Television City project, filed by neighborhood groups and local businesses, including The Grove. These lawsuits allege that the city failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) during the approval process. Local resident Shelley Wagers, who opposes the project, expressed skepticism about Sokoloff’s listening skills, saying, “Not in my experience, no.”
Sokoloff aims to bring a new approach to the city controller’s office, emphasizing “leadership through listening” to address city struggles. He credited Mejia for promoting transparency in city government but criticized his audits for lacking actionable outcomes. “He’s shown a preference for lobbing criticism after the fact, rather than getting involved early on,” Sokoloff stated in an interview.
Mejia’s spokesperson Jane Nguyen defended his record, highlighting improvements in oversight of affordable housing rents and LAPD purchases due to his audits. She stated, “Our Office listens to the people of Los Angeles,” asserting that Mejia has engaged with thousands of constituents at community events.
Political analysts warn that unseating an incumbent like Mejia will be challenging, especially without significant negative publicity against him. Political science professor Fernando Guerra noted that the relatively low profile of the city controller position often leads voters to stick with familiar faces.
Sokoloff has secured an important endorsement from former city controller Laura Chick, who emphasized the need for an “active problem solver” in the role. Chick, known for her confrontational style during her tenure from 2001 to 2009, believes Sokoloff can drive efficient city management.
As Sokoloff embarks on his campaign, the implications of his run extend beyond personal ambition. The outcome of this election may significantly influence the future of city governance and the contentious approval processes surrounding major development projects in Los Angeles.
With the campaign heating up, all eyes will be on the candidates as they prepare for the June elections. What happens next could reshape the political landscape in L.A. and impact the lives of its residents. Stay tuned for the latest developments in this unfolding story.
