Joe Buscaino’s Political Rise Fueled by Italian Family Principles


The councilman is a former LAPD officer and the son of Italian immigrants, who just might become the next mayor of Los Angeles.

By: Basil M. Russo, ISDA President

Joe Buscaino, an Italian American councilmember from the city of Los Angeles, was recently elected to serve in the prestigious position as President of the National League of Cities.

The National League of Cities is an advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. that represents the 19,495 cities, towns and villages in the U.S. Among its various responsibilities, the organization lobbies Congress on many issues including housing, safety, and transportation.

Councilmember Buscaino is leading the organization this year with a platform of “leading with urgency” on homelessness, federal and local partnerships, and innovation in the economy.

Buscaino was first elected councilman from the San Pedro area of Los Angeles in 2012. He serves as Council President Pro Tem of the City Council and as chair of the Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee, which oversees the Port of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles World Airport and the City’s tourism bureau.

Councilman Buscaino is widely regarded as one of the brightest and most up-and-coming political figures in the state of California. Many people are encouraging him to run for Mayor of Los Angeles in the 2021 election.

Councilmember Buscaino has led the effort to create a Historic Little Italy in Downtown San Pedro in his district, which will include a piazza, monthly programming and a concentration of Italian-American businesses.

Prior to being elected to City Council, Joe Buscaino served for 15 years as a police officer in the LAPD.

Councilman Buscaino’s parents both emigrated from Italy to the U.S. over 40 years ago. Joe and his wife, Geralyn, a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, have two children.

Share your favorite recipe, and we may feature it on our website.

Join the conversation, and share recipes, travel tips and stories.