Advocacy in Action: Bridging Policy and Real-World Housing Experience
Julie Markarian’s advocacy work is grounded in one simple principle: housing policy works best when it reflects real life.
Recently, Julie shared an in-depth overview of her ongoing work with city leadership, highlighting her role as a liaison between local government and members of the Apartment Owners Association (AOA). Her efforts focus on creating meaningful dialogue between policymakers and the small and mid-sized housing providers who are directly impacted by housing regulations.
Bringing Real Voices to the Table
As part of this work, Julie organized and attended a one-on-one meeting with a Los Angeles City Council member representing District 5. Rather than approaching the meeting alone, she brought together a diverse group of local landlords who live in or own property within the district.
These were not corporate entities or large institutional owners. They were mom-and-pop landlords, retirees, families, and long-term community members who shared firsthand experiences of owning and operating rental housing in today’s regulatory environment. The goal was simple but powerful: allow decision-makers to hear directly from constituents about how policies play out in everyday life.
Educating Through Experience
Through these meetings, Julie works to educate policymakers on the unintended consequences of housing regulations, rent control measures, and extended eviction timelines. She consistently highlights how these policies can disproportionately impact small property owners, many of whom rely on rental income for financial stability, retirement, or family support.
Julie also addresses how increased regulatory pressure on small landlords can reduce housing availability over time, as owners are forced to sell or exit the market, often leaving housing concentrated in the hands of large corporate entities.
Advocacy Beyond the Office
Julie’s approach to advocacy goes far beyond office-based meetings or formal policy discussions. Her work centers on humanizing housing providers and shifting the narrative around who landlords really are. By facilitating open, respectful dialogue, she helps create space for more balanced, practical housing solutions that consider both renter protections and the sustainability of housing providers.
Her advocacy spans both city and state levels, with a focus on long-term outcomes, collaboration, and policies that are workable in real-world conditions.
A Commitment to Balanced Housing Policy
At its core, Julie’s advocacy is about balance. She believes that effective housing policy must protect renters while also supporting responsible property owners who maintain housing stock and contribute to neighborhood stability.
By bringing real experiences into policy conversations, Julie continues to advocate for thoughtful, informed solutions that strengthen communities and preserve housing opportunities for the future.