Spring 2024 Fellow
Ron Galperin was elected as Controller of the City of Los Angeles in 2013 and again in 2017. During his time in office, Galperin reconsidered how the City works with data, technology, and maps. He created L.A.’s first open data portal, Control Panel LA, which details every dollar spent on goods and services. Because of his work, L.A. was named “No. 1 Digital City” by the U.S. City Open Data Census three years in a row. Government Technology Magazine also named Galperin one of its “Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers.” In launching the first ever L.A. Equity Index, Galperin pioneered the use of data to promote greater social, economic, and educational equity.
Galperin has tackled some of the most serious issues of our time, including how to better address homelessness and affordable housing, protect our environment, improve public safety, efficiently manage budgets and pension funds, maintain and upgrade infrastructure and strengthen crucial services. His work has included oversight and management of airport and port operations, public parks, emergency services, illegal dumping, and city-owned properties.
Galperin is a leading voice for innovation in government, business, and the nonprofit sector. Before serving as the Los Angeles Controller, he led several City and County commissions and served on the boards of various community and non-profit organizations. Galperin has extensive experience as both an attorney and small business owner, earning his B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, his law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, and a certification from the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. A son of immigrant parents, he and his husband, Rabbi Zachary Shapiro, are the proud parents of young twins – Maya and Eli.
Study Group: Age-Old Problems, Modern Day Solutions: Innovations That Can Transform Government and Address Some of Our Biggest Challenges
How can innovation and technology help us solve both age-old problems and the challenges of tomorrow? And, how can government, in collaboration with non-profits and businesses, leverage emerging tools to revolutionize how we approach improving our communities, our cities, and our planet? In this study group, they delved into the transformative power of advancements in AI, IoT, blockchain, data analytics, smart city initiatives, crisis response tech, open data portals, predictive policing, and GIS. Through a diverse range of learning methods, they explored how these tools can be used responsibly by local, state, and national leaders to tackle issues such as homelessness and housing, public safety, environmental sustainability, transportation, and equity.
Spring 2024 Semester Recap
Ron Galperin said this about his experience at USC’s Center for the Political Future: “Loved it! As a CPF Fellow, the experience of engaging with students was so meaningful, enjoyable and inspiring. Together, we explored how emerging technology can be applied at the local, state, and national levels to create tangible impact in our communities and beyond. We delved into complex political issues, challenging our understanding and broadening our perspectives on the challenges government faces. My favorite aspect of being a CPF Fellow was sharing in the diverse and thoughtful perspectives of students – along with other faculty and staff at USC. Through our discussions, I was continually impressed by the depth of knowledge and passion each student exhibited for exploring innovative solutions to complex issues such as homelessness, public safety, environmental sustainability, equity & inclusion, and much more.”
USC students in Ron’s study group shared this about their experience:
“I learned a lot about the current and emerging technologies in use in Los Angeles through the eyes of those using them.”
“It’s very encouraging to hear the thinking behind the shifts in policy approach and strategy, especially for environmental policy, throughout the years. My favorite part about the study group is that it’s an open forum discussion and everyone comes with their own expertise/experiences/interests and brings together different aspects of issues such as homelessness and pollution.”
Ron shared his thoughts on the importance of politics, his first political experience, his advice for having respectful political discourse, and what he appreciates about CPF in his “Quick Takes: Q&A with CPF Fellow Ron Galperin” video.