Today we are continuing our profiles of candidates across the country who want to bring progressive change to America at all levels of government! Ysabel Jurado (she/hers) is an eviction defense attorney and affordable housing activist running for LA City Council. A daughter of undocumented Filipino immigrants, she became a mother as a teenager and later she put herself through UCLA for both undergraduate and law school. Her work as a tenants rights attorney focused on building pathways to home ownership for communities of color, the preservation of open space, and reparative justice. This millennial single mom identifies as Queer and is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Her platform focuses on expanding affordable housing, ending homelessness, supporting small businesses, tackling the climate crisis, and building a more just economy for all.

Where are you based?
I live In Highland Park, and still live in the house that I was raised in.

What position are you running for?
I am running for Los Angeles City Council, District 14. District 14 includes El Sereno, Boyle Heights, the majority of Downtown LA, and parts of Highland Park and Lincoln Heights.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
My platform focuses on expanding affordable housing, ending homelessness, supporting small businesses, tackling the climate crisis, and building a more just economy for all.

What inspired you to run?
Ultimately, my biggest inspiration comes from the people I've fought alongside — the tenants facing eviction, the workers fighting for fair wages, the activists demanding justice. They're the ones who fuel my passion for serving the community. As a council member, I'll never forget where I come from or who I'm fighting for. I’ve lived in this district my whole life. CD-14 is the only home I’ve ever known, and it’s my whole heart. The people of this district are the fuel to my fire.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
CD-14 has been rife with corruption for decades now. It’s no surprise that the people of this district don’t have much faith in their elected officials. I want to restore trust and work as a true public servant for the members of my district. That’s why my team has knocked on so many doors — over 85,000 — because we want to know what really matters to the people of CD-14, what is going to improve their quality of life, and then bring those issues to the table. I want to be their voice in city council, and I think that’s what people all over the country want from their elected officials: someone that accurately, fearlessly represents the people’s best interests, not a politician’s bottom line.

What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
This is my first time running for office, but I’ve weathered some tough challenges that so many people in this district have, too – like putting myself through college and law school while being a single, teen mom on food stamps. Of course, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of my community, which is why one of my greatest accomplishments is becoming an eviction defense attorney to give back to the community that has always been there for me. I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with so many amazing people throughout this district who believe in our vision, and together, our little-campaign-that-could came out on top in the primary, earning first place in a crowded field of eight candidates!

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
While there are plenty of issues that need to be addressed, I’d say that the lack of affordable housing and homelessness are the most pressing issues currently in CD-14.

As far as housing, we need rent control tied to real wages (not the consumer price index); implementation of vacancy taxes and speculation fees for landlords who leave perfectly rentable properties vacant for long periods of time; allocation of surplus land to be administered by Community Land Trusts (CLTs) so that greedy, corporate landlords don’t have complete control over the housing stock; more upzoning; and repealing of the Ellis Act, which has contributed to the rise in homelessness and gentrification, and is a direct assault on the rights of tenants. Repealing the Ellis Act is not only a matter of racial and economic justice, but also a step towards rebuilding our community.

In terms of homelessness, I’m committed to investing in compassionate, effective solutions, such as Community Resource Hubs, with access to sanitation, healthcare, and social services, including help finding employment. Criminalizing homelessness doesn’t solve the problem. It’s time for a new approach.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I agree, and it’s heartbreaking to see. Honestly, I feel that investment in communities is a policy that is always going to benefit everyone, no matter how different they may be in terms of beliefs, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. Who doesn’t love a day at the park? Who doesn’t want less traffic because public transit is accessible, efficient, and free? Who doesn’t benefit from breathing cleaner air? Which parents don’t enjoy having affordable and enriching city-run activities for their kids to participate in? I think you can see where I’m going here. Our campaign motto is “From the community and for the community,” and I believe building strong communities really is the key to traversing divides and getting people to work toward common goals that benefit us all. We have to think globally, but act locally.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
Well, as a queer woman of color, single teen mom, and daughter of immigrants, I’d say my cultural background and life experiences compel me to fight for the average, working-class members of my community in ways that other representatives simply cannot. I’ve relied on food stamps to provide for myself and my daughter; I put myself through school; I relied on public transportation all through my youth; I watched my undocumented father fall victim to wage theft and exploitation. My story is not unique: it’s the story of the people of this district.

What is your motto in life?
Lift while you climb. No matter how far you get in life, never forget the community that got you there and always do everything in your power to bring others with you.

Where can we find out more about you?
Please go to my website www.ysabeljurado.la and follow me on Instagram, Facebook, X: @ysabeljuradola

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Ysabel Jurado, Los Angeles City Council, District 14