Tech entrepreneur Adam Miller is challenging the current leadership of Los Angeles, arguing that the city requires a business-oriented approach to resolve deep-seated operational inefficiencies. Miller, a Brentwood resident and lifelong Democrat, claims his background in innovation and technology is the key to modernizing City Hall.
A Case for Operational Efficiency
Miller asserts that the city is currently wasting an inordinate amount of time and money. He attributes these failures to a government run by individuals who have never operated a business, leaving them unable to optimize resources or budgets.
To illustrate his qualifications, Miller points to his history as a founder. He started an e-learning business called Cornerstone at age 29, which he later sold for $5 billion.
Beyond the private sector, Miller established the nonprofit Better Angels, an organization dedicated to preventing individuals from falling into homelessness.
Critique of Current Leadership and Opponents
Miller has been vocal about the failures of current Mayor Karen Bass. He claims housing production has dropped 30% since 2019 and the entertainment business has declined 40% since 2019, while also citing “failures of the fires.”
While other candidates are also running as outsiders, Miller has specifically criticized reality TV star Spencer Pratt. While expressing sympathy for Pratt’s personal losses and “justified outrage,” Miller argues that anger alone cannot produce results.
Miller contends that Pratt lacks the successful business and management experience required to oversee a city with 44 departments, 50,000 employees, and a budget exceeding $14 billion. He stated that the city cannot afford an “apprenticeship” at this time.
Proposals for Urban Renewal
One of Miller’s primary targets for reform is the city’s affordable housing process. He claims permitting time could be cut by 80-plus percent.
His plan involves increasing self-certification for licensed engineers and architects. He proposes eliminating permit requirements for non-structural home remodels to streamline development.
Miller’s motivation is partly personal, as he has poured millions of his own fortune into his campaign. He expressed a desire for his children, two of whom are currently in out-of-state colleges, to feel safe and welcome moving back to a city he describes as having broken streets and pervasive homeless encampments.
Future Outlook
If Miller’s platform gains traction, the race could evolve into a debate over whether professional management experience is more valuable than political experience in municipal government.
A potential next step for the campaign may involve further detailing how his technology background would specifically be applied to the 44 different city departments. The scale of his personal financial investment in the race could also influence the visibility of his campaign relative to other candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adam Miller’s professional background?
Miller is a tech entrepreneur who founded and sold an e-learning business called Cornerstone for $5 billion. He also started the nonprofit Better Angels to prevent homelessness.
How does Miller propose to speed up affordable housing production?
He suggests cutting permitting time by 80-plus percent by allowing more self-certification by licensed architects and engineers and removing permit requirements for non-structural remodels.
What specific statistics does Miller use to criticize Mayor Karen Bass?
Miller claims that since 2019, housing production has decreased by 30% and the entertainment business has decreased by 40%.
Do you believe a background in private sector business is more effective for managing a major city than traditional political experience?
