Stay up to date with LAist.
If you liked this article, you’ll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Start your morning in under 3 minutes with the 5 most pressing news stories every weekday.
While Los Angeles City Councilwoman Isabel Jurado is settling in at City Hall, she has big plans for the 14th District.
She told LAist that throughout her first 100 days, she has focused on city services, affordable housing, homelessness and connecting with the people she serves, to name a few.
“I’m learning new ways that I can advocate for the community in this new role, but at the end of the day, I’m still Isabel from Highland Park and I’m still here for the community,” she said. Ta. “I just have different tools at my disposal now, but I’m still the same girl.”
Jurado defeated incumbent Kevin de Leon in November to represent Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights and Downtown Los Angeles in one of Los Angeles’ most-watched races.
what’s the plan?
During her first 100 days, one of Jurado’s focuses will be public service.
Street lights are out throughout the district, from First Street in Boyle Heights to Broadway in Lincoln Heights, she said. This can create safety issues for cars and people, and “turning on CD 14” can make communities feel safer and streets more livable.
She also wants to make sure these services are fair and that minority communities like Boyle Heights get the attention they deserve.
Jurado is also planning a listening tour to meet people who serve in City Hall, especially those who may not have voted for her.
“To find out what their problems are. And in many cases, we find that voters, constituents, the public are working hard not just to identify problems, but to find solutions.” she said.
Mr. Jurado is assigned to several Congressional committees, including the Housing and Homelessness, Energy and Environment, Government Operations, Civil Rights, Equity, Immigration, Aging and Disability committees.
She said this first year will be spent learning the ropes and getting to know her legislative colleagues.
Yasabel Jurado checks with a voting volunteer before voting at the Arroyo Seco Regional Library on November 5, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Future challenges
For example, inheriting a “broken” city budget is a difficult situation to face as a new councilor, Jurado said.
She anticipates having to make difficult decisions about how to address budget gaps and think about ways to provide core services and bring in revenue to impact homelessness.
“People are saying on the campaign trail that we’re spending a lot of money on homelessness and we don’t see it getting better,” she said. “So we want to figure out what are the ways that we can make sure that we address this insurmountable problem of homelessness across the city and across Skid Row and actually get people off the streets for good.” Masu” “
