Ysabel Jurado’s Vision: Tackling Housing and Homelessness in LA’s District 14

Ysabel Jurado: Priorities and Vision for Housing in Los Angeles

Los Angeles City Council District 14 will soon be represented by Ysabel Jurado, a tenant rights attorney. Jurado recently defeated incumbent Kevin de León, securing 57% of the vote in a district that includes Boyle Heights, Highland Park, and downtown L.A. Jurado shared her vision and priorities in a conversation with LAist.

Housing Issues in CD14

Jurado emphasized the urgent need to address housing challenges in her district. She aims to stop the “eviction to homelessness pipeline” and strengthen renter protections. Jurado highlighted the importance of using funds from the ULA ballot measure to ensure seniors can maintain their housing. She expressed a commitment to collaborating with local non-profits and agencies to tackle homelessness, particularly in Skid Row.

Innovative Housing Solutions

Jurado pointed to successful models like the Care First Villages, which utilize public lands for transitional housing. She plans to leverage underutilized parcels in her district to establish more interim housing, particularly for those newly experiencing homelessness. Additionally, she aims to utilize community land trusts to provide tenants a pathway to homeownership while ensuring permanent affordability.

Addressing Homelessness

Despite a reported decrease in unsheltered homelessness in L.A., Jurado noted that close to 30,000 still live on the streets. She identified a lack of shelter beds and funds as part of the problem, criticizing previous leadership for not prioritizing these issues. She believes innovative approaches are necessary to effectively combat homelessness.

Police and Public Safety

Jurado’s comments on police budgets during her campaign garnered attention, particularly her reference to N.W.A.’s lyrics. She explained that her remarks reflected community concerns about over-policing, particularly in neighborhoods like Boyle Heights. She aims to foster constructive dialogue about public safety that includes police accountability.

LAPD Funding and Size

When discussing LAPD staffing levels, Jurado noted that past funding has not yielded the desired public safety outcomes. She stressed the importance of allocating resources wisely, as the city faces a financial deficit. Jurado seeks to balance community demands for police presence against the need for broader public safety initiatives.

Street Safety and Traffic Fatalities

To enhance street safety in CD14, Jurado plans to promote multimodal transportation options and improve pedestrian safety. She aims to address high traffic fatality rates in neighborhoods like Boyle Heights by implementing thoughtful urban design and reliable public transit.

Hope for Los Angeles

Jurado remains optimistic about Los Angeles’s future. She believes the community’s resilience and ability to find joy amidst struggles will guide progress. Her commitment is to ensure that working-class voices are heard and to uplift local initiatives that contribute to the community’s well-being.