The Los Angeles Board of Public Works oversees five key departments — the Bureau of Contract Administration, Bureau of Sanitation, Bureau of Street Lighting, Bureau of Engineering, and Bureau of Street Services — managing more than 5,500 employees and an annual budget nearing $1 billion. In May 2025, Commissioner Steve Kang, appointed by Mayor Karen Bass, became the first Asian American to lead the commission, a milestone for the Korean American community’s role in city governance.
Since taking office, Kang has managed wildfire recovery support, streamlined public service requests, and responded to budget cuts. As he approaches his 100th day in office on August 13, he outlined his vision for Koreatown, preparations for global events, and strategies to expand Korean American participation in city procurement projects.
Kang said the first 100 days have been “extremely busy,” with wildfire recovery requiring fast-tracked permits and public service responses. He reorganized operations so all commissioners manage all five departments while handling requests for three City Council districts each; he is responsible for District 10, which includes Koreatown.
Budget cuts remain a pressing challenge, with the commission’s funding reduced by 25–30 percent. Kang said priority tasks are being reassessed to maintain essential services, noting that graffiti removal in Koreatown is now completed within 48 hours. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has been asked to help protect assets such as streetlights from damage or theft.
A core goal, he emphasized, is to make Koreatown a true destination. “I want Koreatown to be like Hollywood or Beverly Hills — a place people specifically choose to visit,” he said, adding that Mayor Karen Bass supports the plan. Infrastructure upgrades are already in motion, including a pedestrian improvement project at Irolo Street and Normandie Avenue in front of the Koreatown Senior Center, with new sidewalks, tree guards, lighting, and landscaping.
Kang acknowledged streetlight and road issues, citing increased copper wire theft. To counter this, the city plans to install solar-powered streetlights. Road repairs, he said, are slowed by budget limits but remain a priority. The long-planned Koreatown Gateway project is also moving forward, with a contractor selected and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI) coordinating construction; funding is secured, and work will begin soon.
Preparations for the World Cup and Olympics include expanding the Los Angeles Convention Center and improving Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Kang said these projects will help attract international events beyond sports, boosting the city’s economy.
“As president of the Board of Public Works, I will serve as a bridge between the city and the Korean American community,” Kang said. “I will work for the benefit of the entire community across Los Angeles, and I will actively engage on behalf of Asian American communities as well.”
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
