making
rights
real.
Public Advocates has been on the front lines of the struggle for social justice for over 50 years, focusing our distinctive blend of policy, legal advocacy, and community partnership on the root causes and effects of poverty and discrimination—and expanding rights and opportunities for low-income people, people of color and immigrants.
our workFeatured media
Ed Source: Will Newsom quickly settle a school facilities lawsuit as Schwarzenegger did?
Wealthy districts get 2.5 times more state building aid than poor ones, leaving schools stuck with mold and broken AC. EdSource examines Public Advocates’ lawsuit challenging California’s inequitable school construction formula—and whether Newsom will settle quickly like Schwarzenegger or fight it like Gray Davis.
Politico: Newsom proposes deferring $5.6 billion in school funding
“You’re always going to have the excuse to short schools the money that they need.” As Newsom withholds $5.6 billion in constitutionally-mandated funding for the second consecutive year, Politico turns to managing attorney John Affeldt on how the state is handing schools a “very large IOU” while claiming historic investments in education.
CalMatters: Schools chief was caught off guard by Newsom’s plan to pare down the future scope of his job
“It might be a lot of political theater for not much real change.” As Newsom proposes shifting education oversight from California’s elected superintendent to the governor-appointed State Board, CalMatters turns to managing attorney John Affeldt on why concentrating control with the governor may not be worth reducing voter oversight.
who we are
Public Advocates Inc. is a nonprofit law firm and advocacy organization that challenges the systemic causes of poverty and racial discrimination by strengthening community voices in public policy and achieving tangible legal victories advancing education, housing, transportation equity, and climate justice.
Our Work
Education Equity
An Education System Built For All of Us
Ensuring that every Californian receives a quality education that will prepare them for college, careers, and the future–in an educational environment that is a place of belonging, joy, and curiosity.
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Housing Justice
The rights you enjoy shouldn’t depend on your zip code
Making sure that every Californian has a healthy, affordable place to live, and that our communities are places for people to thrive, not playgrounds for the wealthy to extract profit.
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Transit Justice
Investing in the transportation needs of low-income communities of color
Meeting the needs of low-income communities by fighting for increased funding to operate more public transit service for low-income riders and improved working conditions for bus operators.
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Climate Justice
We believe it’s time to create a more just, livable world with healthy communities.
Advancing social equity and environmental justice goals in metropolitan regions throughout the state and combating poverty and pollution by securing state funding for affordable housing, public transportation, and other investments that address unmet needs in low-income communities.
Learn Morethank you!
This work is not possible without the generous support of our donors. Thank you for making rights real for all Californians.
$10,000+
Bob* and Diane Olson
$9,999 – $5,000
Fred* and Muffie Alvarez
Lori Andrus and Steve Croft
BJ Chisholm* and Elena Zykova
Sergio Garcia* and Amelia González
Rohit Singla* and Meenaxi Deo
Alan Sparer and Charlotte Fishman
Drucilla Stender Ramey*
Jamienne Studley and Gary Smith
$4,999 – $2,000
Alina Ball* and Eric Guttschuss
Derek Cressman and Deniz Tuncer
Marty* and Beverly Glick
Heidi Ho* and Rev. Malcolm Young
Leo and Sharon Martinez
Robert Nelson
Jasmine* and Mandeep Singh
*Member, Board of Governors
** As of January 2025
Corporate donors
