City Hall extended a most heartfelt congratulations to Marqueece Harris-Dawson on Friday, September 20th, on his recent election as President of the Los Angeles City Council. Seen as dedicated public servant and advocate for social justice, Harris-Dawson’s journey from the streets of South Los Angeles to this prestigious leadership role has stood as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his community.
Harris-Dawson who heads District 8 which represents the vote for South Central, Crenshaw District and downtown LA adjoined Figueroa Corridor. Harris-Dawson has spent over two decades reversing the most dire systemic issues affecting the black community.
Facing opposition recently from some over fears of gentrification purposely being masked by award winning Destination Crenshaw project, a beautification plan promising new sidewalks, 30,000 square feet of new landscapes, six public mini parks, 800 trees, seating, shade structures, bike racks, signage and 100-plus works of black art, there have been mostly cheers for Harris-Dawson and changes have been welcomed by the people in his district.
As to date, Dawson sits as the Chair of the Planning and Land Use Management Committee. The Planning and Land Use Management Committee oversees all land use planning matters including but not limited to the General Plan, Community Plans, subdivisions, zoning, conditional uses, variances, interim control ordinances, moratoriums; population estimates; growth management; code enforcement except residential code enforcement on existing housing; slum housing abatement; building permit appeals; and construction and maintenance standards and testing.
Armed with a degree from Morehouse College and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Stanford, Harris-Dawson entered public service with a mission: to create meaningful change.
Since his election to the City Council in 2015, Harris-Dawson has also led transformative initiatives, including the co-authorship of Proposition HHH, which secured $1.2 billion for permanent supportive housing. This initiative has notably increased affordable housing options in the Eighth District, establishing it as a leader in the city’s housing efforts. Many agree, his work with the Community Safety Partnership has also fostered vital connections between residents and the LAPD, enhancing public safety and trust.
As the newly appointed council president, Harris-Dawson is poised to tackle critical issues facing Los Angeles. He will oversee vital committees, including those related to budgeting and public safety, while also launching a new committee focused on “unarmed response” to traffic stops—an initiative aimed at reimagining community safety and addressing longstanding concerns about racial disparities in policing.
Dermot Givens, a political consultant, noted Harris-Dawson’s strength as a consensus builder to the LA Times. “He’s a very nice guy, and he’ll continue that consensus-building as council president,” Givens said, reflecting the broad support Harris-Dawson has cultivated among his peers, including those with whom he has previously disagreed.
As Mayor Karen Bass expressed, Harris-Dawson is a fierce advocate for social and economic justice. Her statement emphasized the collaborative spirit Harris-Dawson brings to the role, “I have seen Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson’s work as a fierce advocate to advance social and economic justice for all Angelenos up close for years. He knows how to get things done and knows that we can get more done when we collaborate as opposed to double down in unnecessary conflict. The City Council is a vital partner in the effort to move Los Angeles forward. Together, we have brought homelessness down for the first time in years, secured living wages for city workers, implemented a comprehensive approach to make Los Angeles safer, invested in law enforcement officers, embraced businesses to help them thrive, and worked to build a greener city. I look forward to continuing this work with the new Council President and the entire City Council as we work to serve the people of Los Angeles.”
Even Councilmember Kevin de León, who faced criticism by Harris-Dawson after recent controversies, recognized the importance of Harris-Dawson’s leadership, his presence adding to the standing ovation as Harris-Dawson was sworn in.
DT Weekly celebrates Marqueece Harris-Dawson not only for his achievements but for the promise he holds for the future of Los Angeles. His pragmatic, progressive approach ensures that he will continue to advocate for the quality of life for all residents, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will undoubtedly have in his new role as council president. Congratulations, Council President Harris-Dawson.
