The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to confirm Crystal Lee and Joone Kim-Lopez as the new heads of the city’s Bureau of Engineering and Bureau of Sanitation. Lee becomes the city’s first female city engineer, while Kim-Lopez will lead LA Sanitation as executive director and general manager.
Who are the new leaders for Los Angeles infrastructure?
Mayor Bass nominated Crystal Lee to lead the Bureau of Engineering. Lee has worked for the city for more than 17 years and previously served as the deputy executive director of the Airport Development Group at Los Angeles World Airports, where she led more than 300 professionals.
Joone Kim-Lopez has been appointed to lead LA Sanitation & Environment. Kim-Lopez currently serves as the general manager and CEO of the Moulton Niguel Water District, overseeing services for six cities in South Orange County. She was raised in Los Angeles after emigrating from South Korea.
What are the primary responsibilities for Lee and Kim-Lopez?
Lee is expected to implement the mayor’s capital infrastructure program and oversee the completion of a major expansion of the downtown Convention Center. She holds a professional engineer license and a master of science in civil engineering from Loyola Marymount University.
Kim-Lopez is expected to oversee street cleaning efforts and ensure the sustainability of sidewalks, street lights, and other critical infrastructure. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Cal State University Northridge and is fluent in both Korean and Spanish.
How does this change the leadership of these bureaus?
The confirmed appointments replace long-serving interim leaders. Lee succeeds interim City Engineer Alfred Mata, who served the city for more than 30 years and led projects related to climate resiliency.
Kim-Lopez replaces Interim Executive Director and General Manager Traci Minamide, who served the city for nearly 40 years. A possible next step for the city’s sanitation bureau could involve Kim-Lopez’s focus on integrated planning for critical infrastructure and environmental protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the first female city engineer in Los Angeles?
Crystal Lee has been confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council to serve as the city’s first female city engineer.
What is Joone Kim-Lopez’s current role?
Kim-Lopez is currently the general manager and CEO of the Moulton Niguel Water District.
What major project will Crystal Lee oversee?
Lee is expected to manage the completion of a major expansion of the downtown Convention Center.
How might these leadership changes impact the city’s long-term infrastructure and sustainability goals?
