Venice Neighborhood Council Candidate: Jake Kaufman

Editor’s note: This is one of several articles in a series of profiles on Venice candidates.

What would you prioritize if you were voted in? 

Venice is 1% of LA's population, but faces 10% of all Planning permits filed in LA.We need strong leadership and organization to manage this recent surge in growth.

In my 2nd term, I will establish 3 new LUPC roles. 1) Vice Chair: Serves as my backup and helps manage the administrative work. 2) Outreach Lead: Ensure the community is informed of each and every case. 3) Policy and Procedure Lead: Continually reviews how we work, ensures we are efficient and effective.
In my first term I strived to foster intelligent, sensitive growth in Venice, while also fiercely protecting the character of our Neighborhood.The Venice Neighborhood Council voted to formally support more than 40 of the Land Use Planning Committee motions during my term.  

These Motions were brought to the VNC after thorough community engagement and negotiation with the applicants, which insured that each project was a good addition to Venice.In a longer-term effort, we worked with our City Council Office to initiate Mobility and Parking Studies, which are now nearly complete and will provide current guidelines and an action plan to improve traffic and parking in Venice.  This is a very exciting set of projects that will benefit us all in the next year.

Today, our Land Use and Planning Committee is a dedicated group.  In addition to myself, the Committee is comprised of 1 urban planner, 2 architects, 1 land use attorney and 4 community members of varying ages and perspectives.  It is my job to keep them motivated, focused and working to Keep Venice Local.
 

Who are your primary supporters? 

People who understand that change in not inherently negative.Fair-minded people who are interested and engaged to see Venice thrive long-term.People who love the eclectic, dynamic, progressive, and open-minded Community of Venice.

What issue do you feel most strongly about and what’s your position? 

Continuing intelligent growth in Venice.An example would be the transformation on Rose Avenue during the past few years. We worked hard to ensure each project is good for Venice, with loading hours and hours of operations that fit the community and neighbors; they added bike racks and on-site parking, hire locally and incent employees to use public transportation, follow Best Management Practices and we establish affective liquor conditions on all.  Prior to this transformation, Rose was a high-crime area with little activity. Today, I walk Rose Avenue often to enjoy the new businesses and energy.

What's one thing most constituents don't know about you? 

I am a Mechanical Engineer.

Why did you decide to run?

I am running again because I love Venice.  She is fragile and needs our love in return.

Jake Kaufman is running for re-election for Land Use and Planning Committee Chair. To read more candidate profiles, click here.  

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