Sam Lauter: From 10-Year-Old Prodigy to Public Affairs Powerhouse

In this engaging episode, Bruce Bean sits down with Sam Lauter, founding partner of BMWL & Partners, to trace a unique career path that started with political activism before grade school. Raised in a deeply political household, Sam shares how early exposure to national figures and movements led him to a lifelong passion for public affairs.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at Sam’s journey—from walking precincts at age four to founding a powerhouse public affairs firm in San Francisco. Sam recounts his time working for legendary political figures like Phil Burton, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi, and the pivotal moment he helped shut down a major power plant in SF—negotiating a secret deal that would transform a toxic site into a future community asset.

This episode is rich with lessons on strategy, advocacy, and the human side of government relations. Hear how Sam navigates the intersection of politics and real estate, why developers seek his counsel, and what he thinks about state vs. local control on housing.

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