Beverly Kenworthy is the Vice President for the California Apartment Association Los Angeles (CAA LA) – a rental housing trade association in Southern California representing the state’s multi-family property owners and developers. Beverly heavily engages in local public affairs serving as the Association’s lobbyist and housing advocate in the City and County of Los Angeles.
Before joining CAA LA, she was Director of Public Policy with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce where she developed and managed key Chamber policy initiatives and served as lead staff liaison for the Los Angeles City Council. During that time she worked with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles to establish the Business Leaders Task Force on Homelessness, which led to the creation of Home For Good – the blueprint to address the homeless crisis here in Los Angeles. Prior to her Chamber experience, she was the Senior Planning Deputy for former Los Angeles City Councilman Jack Weiss. Beverly is a graduate of the University of Southern California where she holds a Master’s of Public Policy and a BA in English and American Literature. She and her husband, David Gershwin, have a 12-year-old daughter, Alexandra.
During the pandemic Beverly has had more time to do what she loves best – spending time in the kitchen making bread, desserts and meals for her family.
When VICA asked a few additional questions, these responses were shared:
Tell us about your belief in VICA, how has VICA been most valuable for you?
VICA does a great job engaging on key legislation at both the state and local level. Working in conjunction with members, the staff effectively prioritizes their advocacy efforts and does a great job keeping the membership informed on these efforts. In addition, VICA offers members the opportunity to be the voice of business in the Valley by making sure that it is the membership that is leading the charge.
If you were to share an experience about VICA, what would that be?
What I appreciate about VICA is how proactive staff is about informing me of any upcoming issue they believe would affect the organization I represent. Being so busy myself, I value the fact that I usually don’t have to ask them to advocate on an issue – they are already on it.
What do you believe to be the greatest accomplishment VICA has achieved?
I think overall VICA provides tremendous value to its members, but in 2020 VICA has really stood out on how well they pivoted to the online meeting and event format. Even though we cannot meet in person, the interaction with elected officials and networking among members through the remote event platforms has been impressive.
What was your organizations and/or your greatest accomplishment in 2020?
2020 has been particularly difficult for the multi-family housing industry. With Covid-19 rent moratoriums, many are providing free housing without benefit of mortgage relief. On top of that we were forced again to fight another statewide Rent Control ballot measure by Michael Weinstein. Fortunately, we were able to work with a large coalition of labor, veterans and affordable housing providers to defeat the measure.
Can you share what VICA has meant for you and your business during COVID?
I think the continued advocacy for its membership on business issues has never been more important. I value their continued advocacy on behalf of the multi-family housing industry.
