This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Los Angeles County budget czar Bill Fujioka announces November retirement
File: Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer Bill Fujioka explains his proposed 2011-2012 budget to a reporter at a news briefing at the Hall of Administration.
(
Frank Stoltze/KPCC
)
Listen
0:56
Los Angeles County budget czar Bill Fujioka announces November retirement
William Fujioka, L.A. County's chief executive, will retire in November, he announced Thursday. The move comes at a time of uncharacteristic change in L.A. County government.
Fujioka took office in 2007 as the county's first CEO. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors created the position as an expansion of what had been its administrative office to better manage the county's approximately $23 billion budget and 100,000 employees.
Soon after Fujioka started the job, the recession hit, and the CEO was forced to dip into the county's reserve funds nearly every year. Unlike many local governments, however, L.A. County avoided layoffs and mandatory furloughs.
The economic picture finally improved last year.
In a statement, Fujioka said he can now retire confident that the county's budget is in the black.
"When our County was faced with the devastating impact of the recent recession, I felt that it was important that I stay to help weather the storm," he said. "Now that we have strong signs of financial stability and economic growth, it’s time to move on to the next adventure."
Sponsored message
Fujioka's retirement coincides with general upheaval in the traditionally stable L.A. County government. Voters elected a new supervisor earlier this month and will choose another, along with a new county sheriff, in the fall.
The retirement is effective in November, which should, Fujioka said, give the Board of Supervisors plenty of time to find his replacement.
This story has been updated.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
