Rick Caruso Launches 'Steadfast LA' to Accelerate Wildfire Recovery in Los Angeles

The privately funded nonprofit aims to expedite rebuilding efforts with support from business leaders and collaboration across government levels.

Rick Caruso has announced the formation of Steadfast LA, a nonprofit organization focused on rebuilding areas affected by January's devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and surrounding regions.
Steadfast LA will leverage private-sector expertise, including leaders from Netflix, Amazon, Gensler, and others, to address challenges such as toxic waste cleanup, infrastructure upgrades, and housing reconstruction.
Caruso, who is personally funding the initiative, stated that the nonprofit aims to cut through bureaucratic delays and deliver faster solutions, inspired by models like Operation Warp Speed and post-9/11 recovery efforts.
The effort comes alongside a similar government-led initiative, L.A. Rises, which has received a $100 million pledge and support from Mayor Karen Bass, although Caruso has been critical of her handling of the wildfire response.
Steadfast LA plans to integrate innovative technologies, such as AI for permit processing, and advocate for long-term infrastructure improvements to mitigate future disasters.