Valley Businessman Mel Wilson Launches Mayoral Campaign

Businessman and former Metro board member Mel Wilson formally announced his candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles Thursday.“I am running for mayor to fight for a better L.A. I’m not afraid of hard work and know what it takes to get the job done,” Wilson said in a statement.He laid out his plan for Los Angeles in his address, prioritizing “moving our unhoused neighbors into housing, helping small businesses recover and grow and developing smart transit and affordable housing corridors.”Wilson has been a realtor in the San Fernando Valley for more than 40 years. He is the owner of Mel Wilson & Associates in Northridge.He served under Mayor Richard Riordan and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on the Metro board and has been appointed to serve on city boards including the Los Angeles Fire Commission, Business Tax Advisory Commission and Small Business Advisory Commission.Wilson launched his campaign at the site of a 35-year-old Pacoima shopping center. Years ago, he had helped organize the community to develop business partnerships and build the center in what was once a food desert. His goals moving forward include making sure the San Fernando Valley isn’t left out of important political conversations in the mayor’s office and promoting equity in the Los Angeles area.Wilson first announced his candidacy to the Business Journal in an article published in the July 5 issue.