Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reversed a controversial decision on Saturday regarding the compensation of the city’s wildfire recovery czar, Steve Soboroff, after public backlash over his $500,000 salary for 90 days of work.
The Los Angeles Times initially reported that Soboroff, a longtime civic leader and real estate developer, was set to earn half a million dollars over three months as the city’s “chief recovery officer.” The funds were to be provided by philanthropic organizations rather than taxpayer money. However, following criticism, Bass announced that Soboroff would now serve in the role without pay.
“Steve has always been committed to Los Angeles. I spoke with him today and asked him to forgo payment—he immediately agreed,” Bass stated, emphasizing that she did not want compensation discussions to overshadow the city’s recovery efforts.
Additional Official Also Forfeits Salary
In addition to Soboroff, real estate executive Randy Johnson was initially set to receive $250,000 from charitable contributions for assisting in the recovery process. Bass confirmed that Johnson would also work pro bono, though she did not disclose which organizations had pledged the funds.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, a member of the committee overseeing wildfire recovery, expressed frustration over the initial salary agreements, calling the combined $750,000 payout “infuriating” and “excessive.”
Public and Political Backlash
The compensation plan faced significant pushback from local officials and residents alike. Former Trump administration official Ric Grenell criticized the arrangement on social media, calling it “gross” and “offensive.” He contrasted the situation with unpaid volunteers assisting in California’s recovery efforts.
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Meanwhile, homeowners affected by the wildfire voiced their disapproval. Pacific Palisades resident Larry Vein, whose home suffered smoke damage, argued that no one should profit from disaster recovery. Similarly, Steve Danton, who lost his home and is currently living in temporary housing, described Soboroff’s proposed compensation as a “money grab” and a reflection of poor leadership.
Soboroff Defends Original Compensation
Before agreeing to work for free, Soboroff defended the initial salary, citing his decades of experience and the extensive responsibilities of the role. He explained that he was stepping away from his private consulting work to take on the position full-time and was required to coordinate with federal agencies, oversee rebuilding efforts, and streamline city permits.
“I’ve dedicated 35 years to civic projects without pay, but this was the first time I was asked to put everything else on hold,” Soboroff told the Los Angeles Times. “I only agreed on the condition that the money wouldn’t come from city funds or wildfire survivors.”
Despite the controversy, Soboroff maintained that his focus remains on helping displaced residents rebuild their homes and lives. “While others are still assessing the situation, I’m taking action to get people back on their feet,” he said.
Moving Forward
With both Soboroff and Johnson now working without pay, the city’s wildfire recovery efforts will proceed without the distraction of salary concerns. However, the debate over how best to compensate public officials for crisis management remains an ongoing conversation in Los Angeles.
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