LOS ANGELES (Sept. 5, 2024) – The Los Angeles County Business Federation “BizFed” is proud to launch its Public-Private Impact Award recognizing strategic coalition building across diverse sectors and robust investments of private resources into advancing the public good. BizFed will honor one exemplary business or civic leader each year with the award during its annual Freshman Policymakers Reception, the region’s preeminent bridge-building mixer for business and government leaders.
The inaugural recipient of the BizFed Public-Private Impact Award is Ali Sahabi, a Los Angeles-based real estate developer and advocate for community resiliency. Sahabi is widely recognized for his civic leadership, philanthropic efforts and commitment to fostering sustainable growth. He has been a driving force behind initiatives that enhanced the safety and resiliency of communities across California.
Among Sahabi’s accomplishments is the transformation of an abandoned 543-acre silica mine into a thriving, sustainable mixed-use community known as Dos Lagos in the City of Corona. The project, which was the first of its kind in western Riverside County, earned the California Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for Sustainable Communities, as well as American Planning Association and Building Industry Association awards, and other statewide and national accolades.
“I’m humbled to accept BizFed’s Public-Private Impact Award. The best reward for bringing together business, government and nonprofit leaders is seeing how our efforts are building a stronger, more sustainable California,” said Sahabi.
“The measurable impacts of Ali Sahabi’s work encompass award-winning, mixed-use commercial, residential and office development, as well as thousands of projects protecting homes, industrial buildings and commercial properties from the devastating effects of earthquakes. The immeasurable ripple effects of his leadership include broad awareness of the vital importance of environmental sustainability and community resiliency. This is instrumental in shaping policy and driving investments,” said Tracy Hernandez, BizFed Founding CEO.
“The creation of this award reflects BizFed’s dedication to fostering collaboration between public and private sector entities. We’re proud to honor leaders like Ali Sahabi, whose work has fortified California’s infrastructure and set new standards for what can be achieved through innovative public-private partnerships,” said David Englin, BizFed President.
BizFed’s 10th annual Freshman Policymakers Reception was held Wednesday at The Commons on the Universal Lot to recognize the following newly elected and appointed lawmakers representing Los Angeles County residents at all levels of government.
FRESHMAN CLASS OF 2024
Hon. Laphonza Butler, U.S. Senate
Hon. Francis Flores, Bell City Council
Hon. Craig Corman, Beverly Hills City Council
Hon. Mary Wells, Beverly Hills City Council
Hon. Esmeralda Castillo de la Cruz, Huntington Park City Council
Hon. Jonathan Sanabria, Huntington Park City Council
Hon. Stephanie Fossan, La Cañada Flintridge City Council
Hon. Jeanne Kim Hobson, La Cañada Flintridge City Council
Hon. David Arellano, Lakewood City Council
Hon. Lauren Hughes-Leslie, Lancaster City Council
Hon. Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Long Beach City Council
Hon. Edward Belden, Monrovia City Council
Hon. Rachel Bratakos, San Dimas City Council
Hon. Victoria Garcia, San Fernando City Council
Hon. Ed Chen, Temple City City Council
Hon. Jeremy Gerson, Torrance City Council
Hon. Mary Ann Pacheco, Whittier City Council
