On January 2, 1960, John F. Kennedy announced his candidacy for the Presidency of the United States.  

In his brief statement to the press, Kennedy justified his candidacy by naming the complicated pressures the world was facing in 1960, and the need for fresh ideas to adequately solve them.

He closed his remarks describing the noble and historic role the nation should play in shaping human events; with an insistence that a more modern form of leadership was instrumental in those aims.  

Our region needs similar leadership today.  

Los Angeles is a world-class metro. It’s one of the biggest, most diverse cities in the world. Every day it knits each of us into an enriching cultural fabric. Its dynamism is stronger than some nations 10x as old. From taco trucks to movie theaters, South LA to Highland Park, and every place in between, we experience a world unlike any other - one we’re lucky to call home.

But the forces of our modern world are undermining its foundations. Homelessness is rampant, costs are rising, and city life feels increasingly unstable – even dangerous. Our politics feel stuck in the mud of ideological purity tests. And our governing institutions – traditionally slow to implement change – seem unable to keep up. 

The wildfires have shined a light on all of it. 

Like Kennedy in 1960, we face a moment where urgent pressures call for a more modern form of leadership. One that is strong enough to manage this turbulent time. And vigorous enough to manifest a positive version of our collective future.  

You are invited to a discussion about these issues and to explore what this new form of leadership should look and act like.

An agenda and itinerary will follow. I hope you are free to join.