Mark Pestrella is the director of Los Angeles County Public Works. Public Works’ diverse operations include water resources, transportation, environmental services, construction management, and municipal services. Los Angeles County Public Works (LADWP) is the largest municipal public works agency in the United States, providing vital public infrastructure and civic services to more than 10 million people across a 4,000-square-mile service area.
 
In the opening minutes, hours, and days of the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires every single segment of LA’s massively diverse communities was impacted including LGBTQ residents and business owners. It was the First Responders and staff of the LADWP that undertook the heroic efforts to address the unrelenting flames fueled by the historic Santa Ana winds. In the days, weeks and months since the fire it has been the LADWP, along with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, who have been leading the recovery efforts.
 
BuildIT wishes to honor ALL of the First Responders and Recovery Teams who are ‘building back’ our collective communities and we will present a special award to Director Pestrella for his leadership and commitment to ensure that the needs of all Angelenos are addressed.

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BuildIT