Former Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer has joined the Inner City Law Center (ICLC) as a Senior Policy Advisor, sparking controversy among staff and community members. Feuer, known for his role in drafting anti-homeless laws, is now tasked with addressing homelessness in Skid Row, raising questions about his suitability for the position.
Key Takeaways
- Mike Feuer has been hired as a Senior Policy Advisor at ICLC.
- His past as City Attorney included controversial anti-homeless laws.
- Staff members express concern over his hiring and its implications for their work.
Background on Mike Feuer
Mike Feuer served as the Los Angeles City Attorney from 2013 to 2021, where he was instrumental in implementing laws that many believe criminalized homelessness. His office was responsible for enforcing LAMC 41.18, which restricts where individuals can sit or sleep on city sidewalks, leading to thousands of arrests. Feuer’s tenure also saw the enforcement of SEC. 56.11, allowing the confiscation of property from unhoused individuals during sanitation sweeps.
During his time in office, over 30,000 arrests were made under these laws, which were later challenged in court. A 9th Circuit ruling in 2018 limited the enforcement of such laws without providing adequate shelter, leading to a significant drop in arrests.
Controversy Surrounding His Hiring
Feuer’s hiring has been met with mixed reactions from ICLC staff. Many are outraged, questioning how a legal aid organization focused on helping the unhoused could employ someone with his history. Concerns include:
- Conflicting Interests: Staff members argue that Feuer’s past policies have directly harmed their clients, complicating their ability to build trust.
- FBI Investigation: Feuer is currently under investigation for allegedly lying to federal investigators, raising ethical concerns about his role at ICLC.
- Community Response: Local activists and community leaders have expressed skepticism about Feuer’s ability to advocate for the unhoused, citing his previous actions as City Attorney.
ICLC’s Defense
In response to the backlash, ICLC’s CEO Adam Murray sent a lengthy email addressing staff concerns. He highlighted Feuer’s previous accomplishments, including his work at Bet Tzedek, a nonprofit providing legal services to low-income individuals, and his role in establishing the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act. Murray emphasized that Feuer would not work on matters related to his previous role as City Attorney, aiming to reassure staff about the decision.
Future Implications
The hiring of Mike Feuer at ICLC raises important questions about the direction of the nonprofit and its commitment to serving the unhoused community. As the organization navigates this controversial decision, the effectiveness of its advocacy efforts and the trust of its clients may be at stake.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness in Los Angeles and the complexities of policy-making in a city grappling with this crisis.
