Lili Bosse (née Toren), born on October 6, 1961, is an influential American politician and philanthropist best known for her leadership as the Mayor of Beverly Hills, California. With three non-consecutive terms as mayor, Bosse’s career has been marked by her dedication to community development, philanthropy, and global advocacy. She is recognized for her contributions to local governance, international diplomacy, and her role as an advocate for human rights and social justice.
Early Life and Background
Bosse was born in Rego Park, Queens, New York to Holocaust survivors Rosalia and Jack Toren. The family relocated to Beverly Hills when Bosse was nine. Growing up in a family with a legacy of survival and resilience, Bosse’s parents were instrumental in shaping her values of community and humanitarian work. She later graduated from the University of Southern California.
Political Career
Bosse began her political journey in 1997 when she served on the Beverly Hills Traffic and Parking Commission. She went on to join the Beverly Hills Planning Commission, eventually being elected to the Beverly Hills City Council in 2011. Bosse served as Mayor of Beverly Hills three times—first in 2014, then again in 2017, and most recently from 2022 to 2023.
During her tenure, Bosse implemented numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the community. Notable among them is the “Walk With the Mayor” program and the Beverly Hills Open Later Days (BOLD) program, which encouraged local businesses, especially on Rodeo Drive, to extend their hours of operation. Additionally, Bosse’s leadership focused on strengthening trade relations with China and improving city infrastructure.
Global Advocacy and Human Rights Initiatives
Bosse’s influence extended beyond Beverly Hills. In 2022, she led the Beverly Hills City Council in a resolution supporting sanctions against Iran in response to the Mahsa Amini protests. She also advocated for Iran’s expulsion from the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Her involvement in international diplomacy was further solidified when she attended the Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in Athens, Greece, signing a historic declaration to combat antisemitism worldwide.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
As a philanthropist, Bosse has made significant contributions to education and community programs. She served as the president of the Beverly Hills Education Foundation, which honored her with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award. Bosse’s charitable endeavors include supporting the Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden and being a founding member of Police And Community Together.
Bosse and her husband Jon Bosse, a prominent investment executive, have been long-time supporters of humanitarian causes, including a $100,000 donation to the Simon Wiesenthal Center in 2013 to honor her mother’s legacy. Bosse is also a co-founder of Visionary Women, a nonprofit supporting women’s leadership, and a fellow of Vital Voices, a global women’s leadership organization.
Personal Life
Lili Bosse is married to Jon Bosse, co-president and chief investment officer at NWQ, an affiliate of Nuveen Investments. They have two children and reside in Beverly Hills, California.
Legacy and Influence
Lili Bosse’s impact on Beverly Hills and the broader global community is far-reaching. Her dedication to human rights, community service, and women’s empowerment has shaped local policy and global conversations. As a mayor, philanthropist, and advocate, Bosse continues to inspire and lead efforts that make a lasting difference in Beverly Hills and beyond.
