Ericka Lesley focuses her campaign on the working class and marginalized communities, bringing a grassroots perspective to the council race. She emphasizes the need for inclusive advocacy and economic justice for all residents.
Position summaries
Homelessness: Lesley advocates for a needs-based categorization of the unhoused and insists on regional burden-sharing for services. She believes that Santa Monica cannot solve a regional crisis alone and must demand more support from neighboring cities.
Crime & Public Safety: She supports full staffing for the police department but emphasizes the need for a community-centered approach to safety. Lesley believes that true safety comes from trust between the police and the residents they serve.
Housing Construction: Her platform focuses on developing underutilized commercial zones for housing while strictly protecting R2 residential zones. She is committed to ensuring that new development does not lead to the displacement of long-term residents.
Economic Recovery: She proposes aggressive local hiring initiatives and the strict enforcement of AirBnB regulations to recapture lost tax revenue. Lesley views illegal short-term rentals as a direct threat to both the city's housing stock and its fiscal health.
Governmental Philosophy: Her philosophy is rooted in inclusive grassroots advocacy and the belief that every resident deserves a seat at the table. She aims to be a champion for those who have historically been left out of the city's decision-making processes.
Qualifications & Narrative
Lesley made history as the first Black woman on the Santa Monica Rent Control Board and has a long record of advocacy for domestic violence survivors. Her campaign is defined by her commitment to social equity and her experience in representing the interests of the city's diverse working-class population. She frames her candidacy as a battle for economic justice, arguing that the city must prioritize the needs of renters and low-income workers who are being priced out of their homes. Lesley’s leadership on the Rent Control Board has focused on ensuring that tenant protections are robust and that the city’s housing stock remains accessible to all. She is a vocal advocate for community-based safety models, believing that the city can be both safe and equitable. Her background as a grassroots activist informs her belief that the council should be a direct reflection of the community’s diverse voices, and she aims to bring that perspective to every decision made on the dais.