Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin is a progressive local leader with 25+ years experience in government, politics and public service. He is widely recognized for taking principled stands and pushing forward-thinking solutions. As a member of the City Council from 2013-2022, he led on the issues of homelessness and affordable housing, tenant issues, transportation and mobility, reimagining public safety, and local responses to climate change. Mike is currently a Leadership in Government Fellow with the Open Society Foundations. He teaches politics and policy at Occidental College and Loyola Marymount University, and serves as a consultant to Local Progress, a national network on locally elected progressive officials. Mike hosts a podcast, What’s Next Los Angeles, focusing on politics and public policy, writes about economic, racial and social justice, and is a frequent commentator on public affairs.
PODCAST
Mike hosts the What’s Next, Los Angeles podcast, spotlighting issues, examining solutions, and profiling leaders in politics, policy and organizing in Southern California. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast streaming platforms.
WRITING
Mike’s commentary and analysis has been published in the Los Angeles Times, the Nation Magazine, the Los Angeles Daily News, LA Progressive, and Westside Voice. He is currently writing his own Substack column.
APPEARANCES
Mike is frequently sought out by journalists for his views and analysis of news, politics, and policy issues. He has been quoted in the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and other publications, and appeared on NPR, local and network television, and several podcasts.
ACTIVISM
Even after retiring from the City Council, Mike has stayed engaged in public affairs, using his time and platform to help mobilize and organize support for civil rights, renters, affordable housing, free transit, and urgent action to combat the climate crisis.