ILWU Leader Michael “Mickey” Chavez Confirmed to Harbor Commission, Giving Harbor Community A Supermajority

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Former President of ILWU Southern California District Council; Chavez Brings 25 Years of Port Experience to Commission

LOS ANGELES - The City Council today confirmed Mayor Karen Bass' appointment of Michael 'Mickey' Chavez to the Harbor Commission, creating a supermajority of Harbor residents on the Commission. As the former President of the ILWU Southern California District Council, Chavez brings more than 25 years of Port experience to the role.

"With more than 25 years of service at the Port and a family legacy rooted on the waterfront, Michael 'Mickey' Chavez is exactly the type of leader we need on the Harbor Commission," said Mayor Bass. "With firsthand knowledge of port operations, a strong commitment to our union workforce and a deep understanding of our Harbor communities, I look forward to having his invaluable perspective on the Commission. I'm also proud that under my leadership, a supermajority of our Harbor Commissioners live in the Harbor area, giving this community the power to help shape its own future."

Under Mayor Bass' leadership, a supermajority of Harbor Commissioners live in the Harbor community. As a former community organizer, Mayor Bass understands the importance of giving community members the right to shape the future of their communities and Mayor Bass is continuing to deliver on that critical vision.

"Mickey Chavez has dedicated his career to working on the waterfront and understands that our Port's success depends on the hardworking women and men who keep it moving," said Councilmember Tim McOsker. "I am glad to have ILWU representation on the Harbor Commission and leadership on how to advance environmental progress while protecting good jobs, supporting working families, and keeping our port competitive. I thank Mayor Karen Bass for her partnership in making this appointment happen and my Council colleagues for their unanimous support."

As a former President of the ILWU Southern California District Council, Chavez comes from a family rooted on the waterfront since the 1940s. He currently serves as nightside general foreman at Metropolitan Stevedore Company. Chavez brings experience spanning containers, bulk cargo, vessels and rail operations at the San Pedro Bay port complex. Furthermore, with a dedication to creating a more climate resilient Harbor area, Chavez serves on the Harbor Community Benefit Foundation's Clean Ports advisory board, connecting workforce development initiatives with efforts to reduce port emissions through new clean-energy technology.

Mayor Bass also recognized outgoing Commissioner Edward Renwick, adding, "I also want to thank Edward Renwick for more than a decade of dedicated service to the Port of Los Angeles. His leadership, vision and contributions have been critical in helping the Harbor Commission deliver a new vision for the Port and its surrounding communities."

Mayor Bass has prioritized investments in the Port of Los Angeles and surrounding harbor communities to create good-paying, union jobs, strengthen the supply chain, address the affordability crisis, and bolster LA's climate resilience:

• She oversaw thebusiest month ever in the Port's 118-year history, handling more than 1 million container units in September.

• She signed a historic partnership between the City, State and labor groups to shape the future of the Vincent Thomas Bridge which will strengthen L.A.'s supply chain by making sure more cargo comes to Los Angeles so we remain competitive.

• She announced that her L.A. Harbor Commissioners have approved $66.5 million in funding to expand road infrastructure and create new pedestrian walkways along the L.A. Waterfront, which will host sailing competitions during the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games.

• She celebrated the groundbreaking of the new $152 million Avalon Pedestrian Bridge and Promenade Gateway project in Wilmington, which will provide pedestrian and bicycle access to the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade and transform 12 acres of former industrial land into community-centered spaces for residents.

• She released her Climate Action Plan for Los Angeles, setting clear goals for the Port of Los Angeles to reduce emissions by investing in zero-emission trucks, infrastructure, and green shipping corridors.