Marqueece Harris‑Dawson (born June 29, 1983) is an American politician who has served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council representing the 8th District since 2015. He is a member of the Democratic Party and has been active in local policy areas such as affordable housing, homelessness, public safety, and youth services.
Early life and education
Marqueece Harris‑Dawson was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He later obtained a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) from the University of Southern California's School of Policy, Planning and Development.
Early career
Before entering elected office, Harris‑Dawson worked in various capacities within Los Angeles County government. He served as a senior advisor in the office of the Los Angeles County Mayor and held the position of chief of staff to former Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry. He also founded the nonprofit organization “The Youth Initiative for Leadership and Service” (YILS), which focuses on mentoring and civic engagement for local youth.
Los Angeles City Council
In 2015, Harris‑Dawson won a special election to fill the seat vacated by Councilmember Gil Cedillo in the 8th District, which encompasses neighborhoods such as Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, Leimert Park, and West Adams. He was subsequently re‑elected to full terms in 2016 and 2020.
During his tenure, Harris‑Dawson has chaired or served on several council committees, including the Housing and Community Development Committee and the Public Safety Committee. He has been a leading advocate for expanding affordable housing, securing funding for homelessness prevention, and improving public transportation infrastructure within his district. Notable initiatives include the “8th District Housing Initiative,” which leveraged public‑private partnerships to develop mixed‑income housing, and the “Neighborhood Revitalization Fund,” aimed at supporting small businesses and community centers.
Political positions
Harris‑Dawson is generally aligned with progressive Democratic policies. He supports increased investment in affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and expanded access to mental health services. He has also promoted youth mentorship programs and efforts to reduce gang violence.
Personal life
Harris‑Dawson is married and has children. He is an active member of his local community and participates in various civic and charitable events throughout Los Angeles.
References
- Los Angeles City Council official biography.
- Election results, Los Angeles County Registrar‑Recorder/County Clerk (2015, 2016, 2020).
- Press releases and policy statements from the Los Angeles City Council archives.