David Ryu is a former Los Angeles City Councilmember, ethics reformer, and community mental healthcare advocate with decades of experience in the City and County of Los Angeles. He entered public service to fight income inequality, educational disparities, and weaknesses in our social safety nets, and was elected in 2015 to become only the second Asian American to serve on the Los Angeles City Council and first on Council leadership

In 2019, City Council passed Ryu’s landmark campaign finance reform bill into law, barring campaign donations from real estate developers with business before the City. He further introduced legislation to expand oversight in City Hall and to create stronger checks on pay-to-play corruption. Ryu also led the City to launch Opportunity LA, Ryu’s Children’s Savings Account program for every child in Los Angeles. Among other notable accomplishments:  he advocated and secured COVID19 testing early on; championed Grave Disability Reform, Paid Parental Leave, and Dockless & Autonomous Vehicles; established the Hillside Construction Regulation Zone, Concrete Streets Program, Utility Box Art Program and COVID Arts Relief Fund; secured $50M from State for After School Programs; and passed into law the Exotic Animals Ban, House Party Ordinance, and Tour Bus Ordinance.

Previously, Ryu served as Director of Development and Public Affairs at Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital and Community Health Center, community activist and dispute resolution mediator in South Central and East LA, Neighborhood Councilmember, and Senior Deputy to Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Burke.

 He resides in the Hollywood Knolls with his wife, Regina and their two kittens Bonnie & Clyde.