Meet Morgan Oyler, Candidate For Los Angeles City Council District 5

LOS ANGELES, CA — Morgan Oyler, 42, is vying to be elected to the Los Angeles City Council, representing District 5.

In the June 2 primary, incumbent Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky will face two challengers: Oyler and Henry Mantel.

Learn more about Oyler's goals for Los Angeles:

What is your educational background?

I have a BA in History from Gonzaga University, an MA in economics from Cal State LA, and a professional accounting certificate from Santa Monica College.

What is your professional background?

Presently, I work as a financial accountant for a small creative business in Santa Monica. I have over 10 years’ experience working in accounting and operations roles in the private sector. Additionally, I spent five years working as a counselor to foster youth.

Have you ever held public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

What are the top three issues facing Los Angeles right now?

The top three issues facing Los Angeles right now are the housing crisis, public safety challenges, and fostering a growth oriented economic development policy regime.

What is one specific policy you would advocate for or introduce as a City Council member in your first year?

Immediately I would push for an EIFD (Enhanced Infrastructure Financial District) for the Westwood Village area. This is an incredible potential asset that is currently underutilized. This would allow for various upgrades (street upgrades, new housing, and infrastructure improvements) without raising taxes.

What specific actions should the City Council take to address homelessness, and how would you evaluate whether those efforts are working?

The first step to addressing the homeless crisis is fixing the broader housing crisis. If we can build enough housing to create a more affordable city for all income levels, we can reduce the risk of homelessness and focus our resources on the population with the greatest need. We also need to create real accountability for the dollars we are currently spending on the various programs that exist.

What is one specific change you would support through the City Council to improve public safety in your district or citywide?

I think that basic traffic enforcement, using our human and technological resources, can create a safer city immediately. There were more traffic fatalities than homicides in LA during 2025, and that is something that we can change.

How should the City Council balance housing development, neighborhood concerns, and state housing mandates in Los Angeles?

I think we as a city need to take meaningful action to address the housing crisis if we want to have a city that is prosperous and equitable. To make progress on this issue, we should focus on incremental growth, upzoning around current and future transit infrastructure, and redevelopment of underutilized commercial zones. If we focus on these pillars, we can begin to make a dent on this crisis while keeping most neighborhoods as they are. I will add, if the city continues on the current path, the state will come in and implement the builder’s remedy, then we lose all decision making authority.

Why are you a better choice than your opponents?

Of the three candidates on the ballot, I have the most varied educational and professional background, and I will be a tireless advocate for policies that benefit all Angelenos. If we continue to elect the same people with the same failed philosophies, we will get the same results.