About

About Mark Adams California Receivership Group

Mark Adams has dedicated the past 25 years to addressing some of California’s most pressing real estate challenges through the California Receivership Group (CRG), where he serves as President. Specializing in health and safety receivership, he has emerged as the state’s leading expert in rehabilitating properties that pose significant health and safety risks, including slums, abandoned buildings, and other deteriorated properties. His innovative approach has been recognized by 179 state and federal judges, leading to his appointment as a receiver for over 360 properties across 36 counties and 126 cities. His expertise is now extending beyond California to states like Tennessee, Virginia, Texas, and Wisconsin.

A receivership under the Health and Safety Code is an effective measure when traditional enforcement fails to rectify property issues. This method does not burden taxpayers, as the properties finance their own remediations through court-directed funds. Adams’ work covers a wide spectrum of issues, from unpermitted constructions to severe infrastructural failures, offering comprehensive solutions to complex problems.

Groundbreaking Work

In 1999, a tragic incident involving the death of a young child in a dilapidated building marked a significant turning point. This event propelled Adams to become the first receiver under the California Health and Safety Code, setting a precedent for using legal remedies to tackle severe property mismanagement. His early experiences, including learning about the receivership remedy in the 1990s, shaped his commitment to transforming nuisance properties into safe habitats.

Before founding CRG, Adams was instrumental in the Blue Ribbon Citizens Committee on Slum Housing under then-Mayor Riordan, highlighting the dire conditions in Los Angeles’ housing and sparking significant policy changes. His leadership in this area led to important reforms, including the expansion of the city’s inspection and enforcement framework to address slum conditions better.

Corporate and Community Contributions

Throughout his career, Adams has not only led CRG to innovate in property management but has also directly influenced the broader field of housing safety. In 2022, he was honored with the “Distinguished Entrepreneurial Alumnus Award” by Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal for his impactful work. His initiatives have mobilized over $56 million in funding through super-priority receivership certificates, directly addressing the financial aspects of property remediation.

Mentorship and Advocacy

Adams is also committed to educating the next generation of health and safety receivers. He is a respected speaker at housing conferences nationwide. He has contributed to pivotal legal discussions, including an amicus curiae brief in a landmark California Supreme Court ruling that underscored the legitimacy of health and safety receiverships.

Earlier Career and Education

Before his receivership work, Adams had a prosperous career in real estate finance and public policy. He held significant roles at Civitas Housing Company and De Miranda Management, managing large-scale housing projects. His earlier roles included Director of Public Affairs at Fannie Mae and policy development in California Governor Jerry Brown’s office. Adams began his career as an attorney, gaining invaluable litigation experience that would later inform his receivership work.

Personal Life

A Chicago native raised in Los Angeles, Adams is a family man at heart. He and his wife Janis have raised three children, two of whom attend Harvard, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, who emigrated from Greece. A devoted baseball fan, particularly of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Adams blends his passion for sports with family activities. He is also a proud grandfather, actively involved in his grandchildren’s lives and community service through organizations like the Ignatian Volunteer Corps.

Mark Adams’ career is a testament to his dedication to improving community living standards through legal and financial acumen. His professional and personal life reflects a deep commitment to family, community, and service, making him a respected figure in both the receivership field and beyond.