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: Hot classrooms, Leaky Roofs—One Student’s Fight for Better School Facilities
EdSource’s Education Beat podcast, hosted by Zaidee Stavely, featured Miliani Rodriguez, named plaintiff in Public Advocates’ landmark lawsuit Miliani R. v. State of California, alongside EdSource Editor-at-Large John Fensterwald. Rodriguez, a senior at Coachella Valley High School, shared her experience attending schools in Coachella Valley Unified School District since kindergarten—enduring air conditioning that breaks in 100-degree heat, leaking ceilings, and flooded classrooms. The podcast explores how the lawsuit challenges California’s school facility funding system, which sends more money to districts with greater property wealth while locking out poor districts from accessing funding.
K-12 Dive: California’s K-12 facility funding system unconstitutional, students, parents say in lawsuit
K-12 Dive Lead Editor Robert Freedman covered Public Advocates’ lawsuit against California’s school facility funding system, drawing parallels to a successful case in Arizona over similar state disparities. The article details how California’s reliance on local bond financing systematically widens the gap between wealthy and poor districts, with the state requiring districts to raise 40% of modernization costs locally before accessing state matching funds.
Ed Source: California sued over bond program that sends more money to fix facilities in wealthy school districts
EdSource’s John Fensterwald spoke with managing attorney John Affeldt as well as plaintiffs and educators from across the state to cover Public Advocates’ lawsuit. The challenge against California’s School Facility Program, charges that the program perpetuates vast inequalities for students in low-wealth communities. The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, seeks a complete overhaul of the program’s formula for distributing funds for renovating school buildings and features seventeen plaintiffs including students, parents, teachers, and organizations from disadvantaged districts throughout the state.
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
