The Plan to Revitalize LA after the Fires: Governor Newsom Enlists Magic Johnson, Guggenheim CEO for LA Rebuilding

Key Takeaways

• California Gov. Gavin Newsom is launching a new initiative to rebuild Los Angeles.
• Basketball legend Magic Johnson and Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter will play key roles.

The Plan to Revitalize LA

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is bringing together a powerhouse team to help rebuild and revitalize Los Angeles, enlisting Magic Johnson, Mark Walter, and 2028 Olympics organizer Casey Wasserman following the January 2025 fires.

Johnson, the NBA icon and business leader, has long been involved in urban development and community investment, particularly in Los Angeles. Walter, the Guggenheim Partners CEO, and a Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner has a track record of investing in infrastructure and social projects.

Magica Johnson said he would lead the effort to rebuild Altadena, which was a haven for generations of Black families avoiding discriminatory redlining housing practices .

"My focus will be on Altadena because those people may be left behind and I want to make sure that that doesn't happen," Johnson said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

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