I served as Los Angeles City Councilwoman for the residents of District 9 which includes Downtown, Little Tokyo, and South LA. During my 12-year tenure I led catalytic projects such as LA Live, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, and the new Police Administrative Building. I brought in $15 billion in investment, $52 million in net new tax revenue for the City of Los Angeles, and approximately 90,000 full-time jobs.
I have always been drawn to the power of local government to solve problems. My entire career has been based on a community focus to bring solutions that are sustainable and long lasting. As an elected official and long time community activist my vision has been shaped by the people I have helped and the communities I have served.
As a City councilmember, I used the mechanisms of government to improve planning strategies to allow for growth and strengthening communities. My perspective is grounded in hands on experience and implementation that transformed peoples lives for a better outcome in housing, healthcare, employment, small business development, recreation and parks, water management and the environment. I am deeply rooted in what has to be done because of my relationship with people and communities.