Yusef Robb, who runs tk/Communications, served as an unpaid advisor and spokesperson for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass while holding a city contract with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) worth nearly $600,000. According to the Bass administration, Robb’s pro bono work was “for the benefit of the city” and not a gift, though legal experts suggest the arrangement raises questions about conflicts of interest.
Yusef Robb’s Dual Role and City Contracts
Robb acted as an unpaid spokesperson and advisor for Mayor Bass from February through early June. On June 19, he began working for Lineage Logistics, a company whose Boyle Heights cold food storage facility burned for over a week last month. Robb continued as an unofficial, unpaid advisor to the mayor until reports of his work for Lineage surfaced on Saturday.
Simultaneously, Robb’s firm secured a 2024 contract with LAWA—the department managing Los Angeles International and Van Nuys airports—for $450,000 over three years. He won this bid over 10 other firms to provide “executive media training” and “crisis communications.” In April, the contract was updated to include an additional $137,500 in work.
Did You Know? The LAWA contract was Robb’s second with the city during the Bass administration; his firm previously received $75,000 in 2022 and 2023 for communications services related to the administration’s start-up.
Robb stated in an email that the airport contract was unrelated to his mayoral assistance and was awarded through a “transparent and public competitive bidding process.” While the total contract value is nearly $600,000, Robb noted his firm earned no more than $315,000 because he subcontracted to at least two other companies.
Legal Concerns and Conflict of Interest Analysis
Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School and former president of the city’s Ethics Commission, stated that the high value of the LAWA contract highlights the value of Robb’s labor, which may constitute a gift to the mayor. Levinson expressed concern that Robb could use his City Hall access to benefit private clients, or that his proximity to the mayor could make him more attractive to those clients.
“What we’re worried about is undue influence, preferential access and backroom deals that benefit certain people, as opposed to the public,” Levinson said. Despite these concerns, she noted that she does not believe Bass violated any laws, describing the setup as “unusual” but not necessarily illegal.
Expert Insight: The tension here lies in the “dual master” problem.
Robb’s Professional Background and Client History
Robb is a long-time fixture at City Hall, having served as a press aide for Mayor Jim Hahn and later for Eric Garcetti during Garcetti’s tenure as both council member and mayor. He left Garcetti’s office in 2015.
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His firm, tk/Communications, lists a diverse client base including the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the entertainment company AEG. The firm’s website claims to “develop powerful narratives” for both political campaigns and investment proposals.
Robb defended his pro bono work, stating he has provided unpaid help to various people and businesses to support community movements and criminal justice reform. “I feel it’s important to help the city if I can,” Robb said.
Potential Implications for the Bass Administration
The revelation of this arrangement comes as Mayor Bass runs for reelection against City Councilmember Nithya Raman. The administration maintains there is no connection between Robb’s LAWA duties and his assistance to the Mayor’s office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Yusef Robb paid for his work as a spokesperson for Mayor Bass?
No, Robb served as an unpaid spokesperson and advisor from February through early June, and continued as an unofficial, unpaid advisor until recently.
What was the total value of Robb’s contract with LAWA?
The original three-year contract was for $450,000, with an April update adding $137,500, bringing the total to nearly $600,000.
Did Yusef Robb work for any other private companies while advising the mayor?
Yes, on June 19, Robb began working for Lineage Logistics, a company that operated a cold food storage facility in Boyle Heights.
Do you believe public officials should be allowed to accept pro bono professional services from city contractors?
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