JOEL ESTRADA FOR COMPTON CITY COUNCIL
LEADERSHIP / EXPERIENCE / CONSENSUS-BUILDER
“Joel, a Compton native who attended Compton Schools (Martin Luther King Elementary, McNair Elementary, and Davis Middle School), is currently raising his family in Compton. With over 18 years of marriage, he has a 16-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. Joel holds a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School and a BA in Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought from Amherst College (Amherst, MA).
Dedicated to community involvement, Joel served as an elected official on the Board of Trustees of the Compton Unified School District. He spent almost 15 years as the Youth Pastor of Hosanna Apostolic Church in Compton and currently serves as the interim English Service Pastor at Mt. Zion Apostolic Church in South Gate. Joel's contributions extend to roles like Personnel Commissioner for the City of Compton and serving on various Director Boards, including Community Lawyers Inc. (Compton, CA).
Currently, Joel serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of a Capital Firm Group, overseeing the day-to-day operations of a half-billion-dollar portfolio in Southern California. Before this role, he founded several successful companies, contributing to job creation in various communities, including Compton. Joel was the CEO/founder of an award-winning Latino and Urban marketing agency, providing expert marketing and public relations services to retail and manufacturing footwear clients. He expanded his ventures to include a Litho company offering quality printing services and founded a successful chain of fandom stores. Previously, Joel held the position of Director of Marketing and Public Affairs at Warehouse Shoe Sale (WSS), where he managed the launch of more than 24 new stores and led promotional initiatives.
Joel believes that effective action stems from listening, unifying people, and hard work. There are no shortcuts. As your District 4 City Councilman, Joel is committed to investing the necessary time and energy to drive meaningful progress and responsively answer the calls for change in our district.
Your vote would be a tremendous honor as we work together to elevate Compton”
Compton’s Financial Mismanagement and a Lack of Leadership Have Threatened Compton’s Ability to Serve the Public
Since October 2019, the California State Auditor’s office has disappointedly ranked Compton as the most financially at-risk city in California. A 2022 State audit of Compton found that “financial mismanagement and a lack of leadership have threatened Compton’s ability to serve the public.*”
Sadly the report recommended that if “Compton still cannot adequately address its long‑standing challenges, we believe it may be necessary for the Legislature to consider implementing ongoing external oversight of the city’s finances and operations.*”
(* CALIFORNIA STATE AUDITOR October 2022 | Report 2021-802)
Click the Link Below for the Full Report
As our District 4 City Councilman,
Joel will work to:
Address Compton’s Deteriorating Infrastructure
Confront Financial Mismanagement
Create/Retain Leadership and Staff
Yearly Update Compton’s Plan for Prioritizing Capital Improvements
This is a yearly requirement which Compton did not do for 8 years (since 2014); it remains to be seen if the Council will engage annually. I will work to ensure that as a Council we do so.
Address Compton's Aging Water Infrastructure Which Threatens the Reliability of Our Water Supply and our Fire Department’s ISO Rating
Only 4 of our 6 wells are currently operational. Recent employee resignations substantively threaten the implementation of any proposed solutions.
Revisit and update our Capital Improvement Plan for Street Repairs
Half of Compton’s Streets remain in Poor Condition
Empower the Human Resources Department to Fill Vacancies and Retain Staff
Update Charges for City Services (City Permits, Contract Licenses)
Compton Has Forgone Potential Revenue
Support policy that eliminates Compton’s Inadequate Purchasing Safeguards Which have Increased the Risk of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Support Policy that eliminates High Turnover and Vacancies in Key Management Positions That Have Led to a Lack of Continuity in Compton’s Leadership
Strengthen Compton’s Hiring Process to Ensure That Key Staff Are Qualified to Perform Their Duties
Address Compton’s Financial Instability
Stop Using Funds Dedicated for Specific Purposes to Support the General Fund
Commit to Recurring Training of the City Council on Its Financial and Operational Oversight & Responsibilities
Complete Needed Sewer Infrastructure Projects
Numerous Sewage Overflows have resulted in over $100,000 in fines from LA County.
Support an Adequate Plan for Addressing Compton’s Financial Challenges
Identify Problematic Budgeting Practices that Have Prevented Transparency and Left Funds Unspent
Donate To Help Joel Win!
Every Dollar Donated Is A Step Towards A Greater Compton For Our Families And Ourselves.
Compton District 4
Located south of the city of Los Angeles, Compton has a population of about 94,000. As a charter city, Compton has authority over its municipal affairs and may establish certain local ordinances over these affairs beyond those that state law allows for general law cities. A city council composed of five elected officials governs Compton. This city council appoints a city manager to serve as the chief executive officer, provide administrative leadership, and keep the council advised of Compton's financial condition. The services Compton provides for its community include public safety; public works; parks and recreation; community development, such as planning and zoning; and general administration.