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
AP News: California air regulators update a key climate program, sparking pushback from environmentalists
“These are investments that determine whether a student can afford to take transit to school, whether a senior can get to a doctor’s appointment, whether a family can live near reliable transportation instead of enduring long commutes and higher costs.”—Public Advocates’ Michelle Pariset told the AP exactly what’s on the line as California guts its climate fund.
Bay City News: Imminent changes to state climate policy could favor oil and gas industry
“These funds are overwhelmingly directed to the communities most impacted by pollution and climate change—the same communities that live near refineries, freight corridors, freeways, ports, and other major sources of greenhouse gas emissions.” California’s Cap-and-Invest program is under pressure. Public Advocates’ Michelle Pariset spoke at a press conference Wednesday ahead of the May 28, 2026 critical CARB vote—on what’s at stake for transit, affordable housing, and environmental justice.
Ed source: Equity advocates to ask California court to suspend billions in school construction funding
“I would love for state officials to come see where our students are going to school every day,” says plaintiff Amy Campbell-Blair of True North Organizing Network—one of the voices behind Rodriguez v. State of California, which heads to an Alameda County courtroom on May 27. Public Advocates is asking a judge to freeze $3 billion in state school construction funds until California fixes a system that gives wealthy districts 2.5x more per student than low-wealth ones.
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
