L.A.’s chief legislative analyst announces he’s retiring
A top advisor to Los Angeles lawmakers announced Tuesday he plans to retire after decades working in city government.
“This decision does not reflect any dissatisfaction with the city,” Chief Legislative Analyst Gerry Miller wrote in a Tuesday letter to the City Council. “After nearly 30 years and much thought I have decided that it is time to move on to explore other interests and spend more time with my spouse and family.”
In the letter, Miller expressed mixed emotions and said his last day would be Aug. 29. He did not immediately return a call Tuesday seeking additional comment.
As chief legislative analyst, Miller has served as the top policy advisor to the Los Angeles City Council. In recent years, he has advised the council on issues including tax breaks for downtown hotels, negotiations for an NFL stadium and a possible tax increase to fix Los Angeles roads and sidewalks.
“In his nine years as chief legislative analyst, Gerry Miller has been involved in every major initiative of our city,” City Council President Herb Wesson said in a statement Tuesday. “He has been a wise counselor and a valuable resource to all of the council members, and he will be missed.”
The announcement comes weeks after the Los Angeles 2020 Commission recommended creating a new independent office to give Angelenos an “honest score card” on how the city spends taxpayer money. When the recommendations were released, commission co-chairman Austin Beutner discounted the independence of the chief legislative analyst, who is hired by the council, and that of the city administrative officer.
Miller began working for the city in 1985. In 1998, he became the executive officer for the chief legislative analyst, and was offered the top job in 2005 after filling the position on an interim basis. In his letter, Miller said he had worked with five mayors and 57 council members during his career.
He praised city leaders for investing in affordable housing, transforming the city through economic development and making difficult decisions to survive the economic downturn.
“There is, however, much still to be done and I will miss working with you to make those things happen,” he wrote.
Twitter: @latimesemily
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