By Stephen Witt
From ensuring the streets and sewers are clean to hobnobbing with some of Hollywood’s top producers, directors, and actors.
Mayor Karen Bass announced yesterday her appointment of Steve Kang, President of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, as the Mayor’s Liaison to the Film and Television Industry.
In heading the five-person Board of the Department of Public Works, Kang oversaw more than 5,500 employees responsible for the design, construction, renovation, and operation of public projects ranging from bridges to wastewater treatment plants and libraries; curbside collection and graffiti removal; and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, sewers, streetlights, and street trees.
In his new role, Kang can leverage his knowledge of various infrastructure City departments to troubleshoot and streamline any issues that arise while engaging with industry stakeholders on on-location filming matters.
“I have full confidence that President Steve Kang will deliver in his role as City Film Liaison by finding solutions that protect our signature industry and ensure that local filming of TV shows, movies and commercials can successfully continue and expand,” said Bass. “With the successful expansion of the California Film & TV Tax Credit and our ongoing efforts to improve local processes, our work continues to keep production jobs here and support small businesses who rely on the industry.”
Bass announced the appointment during a meeting with the Entertainment Industry Council. She cited Kang’s deep knowledge of the City’s infrastructure and permitting processes and key relationships with department leadership as reasons to ensure he can improve LA’s entertainment industry’s local filming processes and experiences.
According to Kang’s bio on the Department of Public Works website, he is a longtime resident of Koreatown, devoted husband, and father of two. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University and a Master of Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Kang also has deep political roots in the City, having been recognized by many organizations, including the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, the Empowerment Congress, the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA), and the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley.
“Local filming is vital to our city’s economy and City departments must prioritize their success,” said Kang. “I thank Mayor Bass for entrusting this role to me and will be dedicated to delivering on her vision for how we can best support local production.”
