Our Work
Access to opportunity isn’t automatic. Public Advocates works each day to increase access to quality education and economic advancement for low-income communities and people of color throughout California.
Everything we do at Public Advocates serves two goals: To create opportunity and build community power. Doing both together requires a strategic envisioning of a world where all Californians–whether they are BIPOC, low-income, or otherwise historically disinvested in–have access to equal opportunities.
Together with our partners, we tackle some of the most complex social issues facing California and our nation as a whole, all the while, building community power and raising the voices of those most affected by injustice.
Our Issue Areas
In order to ensure meaningful access to opportunity, we advocate for quality education, affordable homes in all communities, public transportation that serves the needs of low-income people, and socially just and environmentally sustainable development. Working hand in hand with low-income communities of color, we fight to reverse inequities in education, generations of housing segregation, and unfair allocation of public and private resources.
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.
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We work towards a California where every resident has the basic needs to thrive: Excellent public schools, affordable housing, reliable public transportation, and clean water to drink and air to breathe.
Education Equity
Housing Justice
Transportation Justice
Climate Justice
Campaigns
featured campaign
Our Work in the California Affordable Student Housing (CASH) Coalition
read moreTransit Justice
Preserving Disparate Impact for Transit
Preserving Disparate Impact for Transit Our existing civil rights protections are being undermined by the …
Housing Justice
Where They Stand: California Treasurer Candidates on Affordable Housing
In late April 2026, our organizations sent each of the current candidates for California State …
Education Equity, K-12 Education
School Facilities and Modernization: Miliani Rodriguez V. State
Summary: Students in California’s low-wealth communities learn in buildings with toxic mold, failing HVAC systems, …
Our Statewide Advocacy
Since 2000, through a regular presence in the state Capitol, we have established a strong reputation through one of the longest and most successful track records in advocating for equity in public education, housing justice, and transportation justice.