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Wendy Greuel with Bill Clinton at Langer's Deli during the 2013 mayoral campaign. Photo: Gary Leonard.
Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel were City Hall allies, and I believe friends, before they ran against each other for mayor in 2013. We all know how that ended — Garcetti moved into Getty House and didn't endorse Greuel when she ran for the Henry Waxman seat in Congress, unsuccessfully, in 2014 — but enough time has passed now. On Tuesday, Garcetti formally appointed Greuel to the city's Homeless Services Authority commission.
"Wendy’s longtime advocacy for L.A.'s most vulnerable citizens makes her the ideal choice for this position," Garcetti said in a statement. "She brings in-depth expertise, a strong work ethic, and life-long dedication to public service and homelessness to the LAHSA Board. I know she is uniquely qualified to help us effectively and urgently address the homelessness crisis and implement the sustainable strategies we need to get people off the streets, connected to services, and into homes."
From the release:
The LAHSA Commission has the authority to make budgetary, funding, planning and program policies for federal funding allocated to homelessness programming in the L.A. region.
Wendy Greuel served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council, representing the San Fernando Valley, and later as Los Angeles City Controller, from 2002 through 2013. She previously served as a member of the Clinton Administration, as the Deputy Director of the Interagency Council on Homelessness at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.Greuel also served in the office of Mayor Tom Bradley for ten years. She acted as a liaison to elected officials, city departments and the community and was a key advisor on a range of public policy issues — including education, housing, and homelessness.
"Today, Los Angeles is acting on the homelessness crisis with unprecedented coordination at all levels of government," Greuel said. "Thanks to the strength of Mayor Garcetti's commitment and elected leaders across the region, we have an unparalleled opportunity to reduce homelessness in Los Angeles. My career in public services has centered on this issue, and I am proud to have contributed to the continuum of care system, the Los Angeles Homeless Initiative and the creation of LAHSA itself. I look forward to the opportunity to continue my commitment during this critical crossroads, and look forward to serving as the Mayor’s appointee."
Earlier today, Mayor Garcetti and Ms. Greuel joined homeless clients at the Downtown Women's Center for lunch to discuss their plans moving forward.
Greuel currently serves as a consultant for the Discovery Cube Los Angeles (DCLA), a children's science museum that focuses on STEM proficiency, early learning, healthy living, and environmental sustainability.
LAHSA Commission member Elise Buik, who is departing the commission after close to five years of service, saluted the Mayor's selection of Greuel.
“It has been a privilege having served over the past several years as Commissioner. I’m grateful to Mayor Garcetti for giving me the opportunity to lead and thank the City and County leaders I have served with on LAHSA’s Commission," said Buik. "Wendy is an ideal candidate for the role as LAHSA Commissioner and I’m thrilled that Los Angeles will have her leadership on this issue."
