“It is so important that we as elected officials are connected with our residents, businesses, and major stakeholders,” reads a social media post by West Hollywood Council Member John Erickson. “That’s why next week I’m starting a new monthly event called Saturdays in Plummer Park with John at 10 a.m.”
Councilmember John M. Erickson was elected to the West Hollywood City Council on November 3, 2020 with the commitment to uphold the city’s founding vision for a forward-thinking, diverse, and tolerant community.
Councilmember Erickson first planted roots in West Hollywood in 2010 when he was selected to intern for the West Hollywood City Council. The internship set him on a path that connected his work for social and economic justice with his passion for public service. He went on to become Council Deputy to former Mayor Abbe Land and then served as a staff member at West Hollywood City Hall working to advance policies, initiate programs, and increase awareness around LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, the environment, and civic engagement.
After leaving City Hall, Councilmember Erickson served as a Legislative Representative at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and is currently the Director of Public Affairs at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.
The immediate past Vice Chair of the City’s Planning Commission, Councilmember Erickson’s priorities on the City Council include: overcoming COVID-19 through sensible health practices and economic recovery; creating more affordable housing and protecting renters’ rights; reducing traffic through alternative transportation strategies, fighting climate change and making our city more sustainable; and implementing policies that make the city truly free of prejudice and welcoming to all.
Councilmember Erickson has earned a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and effective voice for those who need one. His advocacy work includes serving as a National Board member of the National Organization for Women and President of the ACLU Southern California. In 2017, he became Governor Brown’s appointee to the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and served as an organizer for both the Resist March and the historic Women’s March Los Angeles. He serves on the Board of the Women’s March Los Angeles Foundation. Councilmember Erickson was part of the End Statute of Limitation on Rape (ERSOL) Campaign, which overturned California’s statute of limitations on rape and sexual assault in 2016.
Councilmember Erickson received his Ph.D. in American Religious History from Claremont Graduate University and a Dual-Master’s Degree from Claremont Graduate University. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a B.A. in English and Women’s Studies.
You may contact West Hollywood City Council offices via email at [email protected] or by phone at (323) 848-6460.
