Nicole Kuklok

Biography

Nicole owns public affairs consulting firm in Los Angeles, specializing in land use strategy and entitlement. From key regulatory challenges issues to development projects, Nicole specializes in a comprehensive advocacy approach and is known for integrating community outreach, communication with elected officials and community leaders, and honesty backed up by evidentiary support, to ensure a positive and desired result.

Prior to consulting, Nicole practiced Land Use Law at major law firms in Los Angeles. Her practice included management and entitlement of highly-visible and controversial development projects; plan approvals, modifications, and compliance with existing entitlements; strategic advice; managing teams of consultants on large scale land use projects; and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance and review. She was integral in the entitlement of a large project in Beverly Hills, including a five star hotel and luxury residential units, and has worked on a variety of projects including shopping centers, museums, hotels, visitor-serving uses, and residential projects. Several of her projects have survived CEQA challenge or referendum efforts.

Nicole specializes in historic preservation and related issues. She is readily familiar with historic preservation laws and policies at the national, state and local levels, and has specific expertise in the historical development of Los Angeles and mid-century architecture and design. Nicole successfully defeated a City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument nomination for a 1960s resource building at the Cultural Heritage Commission, and defeated the nomination of a 1960s resource building at City Council. She has also consulted with property owners and trustees regarding potential historic designations.

Nicole has also worked on numerous projects subject to the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission and successfully settled a Coastal Commission appeal against a Malibu shopping center. Nicole has worked on numerous regulatory approval processes required for different land uses across the region, and is often brought in to work with neighbors to gain approval and/or settlement of difficult issues. She also is an expert in the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”).

Nicole was recognized as a Rising Star in Land Use Law by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2009 and 2010. She is also a member of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) Land Use Subcommittee on California Environmental Quality Act Reform, drafting concepts and principles for CEQA reform. She is a registered lobbyist in the City of Los Angeles.