Mike Bonin, a distinguished leader with more than two decades of experience in government, politics, and public service, has been named executive director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs (PBI) at Cal State LA, effective May 1, 2025.
Bonin will be taking over from Sascha Brown Rice, the granddaughter of former California Governor Pat Brown, who has served as PBI’s interim executive director since 2024. PBI is a nonpartisan, presidentially chartered institute dedicated to the quest for social justice and equity, enlightened civic engagement, and an enhanced quality of life for all Californians.
Bonin’s appointment aligns with his passion for public affairs, leadership, and policy, as he looks to continue the institute’s mission of educating the public and engaging people in the political process.
“I am honored by the opportunity to lead the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, and I am eager to supercharge its mission of expanding public engagement with government, encouraging effective leadership, and advancing policies that benefit the people of Los Angeles and California,” said Bonin. “The Pat Brown Institute focuses on the things I am passionate about: informing, educating, and engaging people in public affairs; researching and elevating smart public policy; and lifting up a new generation of leaders.”
The institute seeks to sustain the vision and legacy of Governor Brown by promoting civic and community engagement; helping to advance an inclusive public policy; connecting with and energizing the next generation; and serving as a thought leader on vital issues for the region and the state.
“Mike will provide critical guidance in motivating young people to be engaged in their communities; raising awareness of timely policy issues; bringing public officials closer to their constituents; and supporting Cal State LA’s mission to serve as an anchor institution for the region,” said Cal State LA President Berenecea Johnson Eanes in a university announcement. “I look forward to Mike’s added perspective as we unleash the power of participation.”
Bonin’s career in politics includes service on the Los Angeles City Council from 2013 to 2022, representing the city’s Westside, and serving on the LA Metro board of directors. During his council tenure, he focused on issues including homelessness, affordable housing, tenant protections, transportation, public safety, and climate change.
His work includes raising the citywide minimum wage, implementing renter protections during the COVID-19 pandemic, initiating the city’s transition to clean energy, providing free public transit to students, creating a public safety ambassadors program, contributing to the modernization of the Los Angeles International Airport, developing homeless housing, and leading a services-led homeless housing initiative.
Bonin has most recently taught public policy at Occidental College and Loyola Marymount University with fellowships at the Open Society Foundations and the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future. He also serves as a senior fellow with LA Forward Institute, an organization promoting civic engagement and education, and as a consultant to Local Progress, a national network of locally elected officials.
He is known for hosting the What’s Next Los Angeles podcast, focusing on politics and public policy, co-hosting the popular LA Podcast, and writing about economic, racial, and social justice. He is a frequent commentator on public affairs.
Bonin has been honored for his contributions to homelessness policy and environmental efforts, receiving awards like the Local Legislator Award from the National Homelessness Law Center and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Stonewall Democrats.
Bonin received his Bachelor of Arts in U.S. History from Harvard University. He resides in the city of Mar Vista.
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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 24,000 students and has more than 250,000 distinguished alumni.
