Welcome, Raquel
Raquel Beltrán became the new General Manager of Neighborhood Empowerment Sept. 4 after her appointment was confirmed by the City Council. She was nominated to the position Aug. 16 by Mayor Eric Garcetti.
Beltrán is a longtime community leader who has served as the Associate Director for the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State Los Angeles since 2014. She brings more than three decades of experience in community organizing, executive management, and public policy to her new role.
As the new General Manager of EmpowerLA, Beltrán will oversee critical department operations and functions including management of the Neighborhood Council system, development of the department’s budget, and all personnel, constituent, and government relations.
“The City of Los Angeles’ Neighborhood Council system is a unique and important part of the City’s democratic process,” Beltrán said in a statement. “Serving the City’s Neighborhood Councils is a noble responsibility. I have worked with these committed community leaders for many years and admire their determination to strengthening LA’s distinct communities. I look forward to collaborating with their dedicated leaders to advance a cooperative vision for the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment.”
As the Associate Director of the Pat Brown Institute, Beltrán managed the Institute’s operations, community engagement efforts, and leadership programs — including Civic University, an initiative founded in partnership with Mayor Garcetti that gives Angelenos the tools they need to understand City government and influence policy at City Hall.
From 2006 to 2014, Beltrán served as the Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles. She also worked in government for the City of San Diego; as a Program Manager for the American Red Cross in San Francisco; and as the co-founder of the United Domestic Workers Union of America.
Raquel earned her Masters degree in business administration from Cal State Dominquez Hills, with Delta Mu Delta honors. She completed her undergraduate studies at Cal State East Bay with a Bachelor’s degree in political science. In addition to her professional pursuits, she is founder and president of the Mariachi Academy of Carson, an after-school cultural and education program.
She replaces outgoing General Manager Grayce Liu, who stepped down after seven years to accept a position with Personnel as City Engagement Officer.
