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Deyanira Nevarez Martinez
From Ballotpedia
Deyanira Nevarez Martinez is an at-large member of the Lansing School District in Michigan.
Nevarez Martinez is running for election to the Lansing City Council to represent Ward 2 in Michigan. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025. The primary for this office on August 5, 2025, was canceled.
Nevarez Martinez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Deyanira Nevarez Martinez was born in Gilroy, California. She earned a high school diploma from Kofa High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona in 2008, a graduate degree from the University of Arizona in 2014, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine in 2021. Her career experience includes working at Michigan State University as a professor of urban and regional planning and a member of core faculty in the Chicano/Latino Studies Department. She previously worked for U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D) and as a state coordinator for the Mi Familia Vota Education Fund. She has served as a member of the Michigan Association of Planning, the American Planning Association, and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning. She has also served on the board of the Urban Affairs Association.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in Lansing, Michigan (2025)
General election
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
General election for Lansing City Council Ward 2
Erik Almquist and Deyanira Nevarez Martinez are running in the general election for Lansing City Council Ward 2 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Erik Almquist (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Deyanira Nevarez Martinez (Nonpartisan)  | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
The primary election was canceled. Erik Almquist and Deyanira Nevarez Martinez advanced from the primary for Lansing City Council Ward 2.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Deyanira Nevarez Martinez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Nevarez Martinez's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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A mother, housing scholar, and longtime advocate for social and economic justice. I’m running for Lansing City Council in Ward 2 because I believe our communities deserve bold leadership that prioritizes affordable housing, youth investment, and safe, thriving neighborhoods. I currently serve on the Lansing School Board and teach urban planning at Michigan State University, where my work focuses on housing insecurity and homelessness. As the daughter of immigrants and a proud resident of southeast Lansing, I bring both lived experience and policy expertise to the table. I’m committed to building a Lansing where working families, renters, and young people are not just heard—but empowered.
- Housing is a Human Right- I will champion policies that expand affordable housing and protect renters from displacement. Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home.
- Invest in Youth, Invest in our Future- From after-school programs to safe parks and strong public schools, I believe in building a city where young people can thrive. As a mom and School Board member, I know firsthand how essential it is to fund youth programs and create opportunities for all kids.
- Public Safety Through Economic Justice- We create safer neighborhoods by addressing root causes—like poverty, housing insecurity, and lack of opportunity. I support community-based public safety approaches that invest in community.
I’m deeply passionate about housing justice. Everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to live, yet far too many in our community are struggling with rising rents, poor housing conditions, or the threat of eviction. My work as a housing scholar and advocate has focused on the structural barriers that keep people unhoused or housing-insecure—from exclusionary zoning to the criminalization of poverty. I believe local government has both the responsibility and the power to protect tenants, preserve affordability, and ensure that development benefits long-term residents—not just outside investors. On City Council, I’ll fight for policies that center housing as a human right and prioritize the voices of those most impacted.
Although City Council is a local office, it plays a vital role within the broader framework of state governance and the legal system. Councilmembers have the authority to pass ordinances, allocate city funds, and shape local policies that must align with state law while addressing the specific needs of their communities. What makes this office unique is its proximity to the people—it is often the first place residents turn to for help with issues like housing, public safety, infrastructure, and neighborhood services. Council decisions set the tone for how state and federal policies are enacted at the local level, and councilmembers play a key role in holding city agencies accountable and ensuring that laws are applied fairly and equitably. In that way, the office is a critical bridge between residents and the larger systems of governance.
In my personal life, I look up to my mother. She was a farmworker and a single mother of three who raised us with strength, resilience, and unwavering love. Thanks to her sacrifices and example, she is now the proud mother of a small business owner and two PhDs. Her determination and work ethic shaped who I am and continue to ground me in everything I do.
Professionally, I look up to Henry Cisneros, former mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. As one of the first Mexican American mayors of a major U.S. city, he led with vision, inclusion, and a deep commitment to equity. I admire how he navigated power while staying rooted in community and how he used his role to expand opportunity for those historically left out. His example reminds me that leadership can be both bold and compassionate, and that public service can be a force for lasting change.
Professionally, I look up to Henry Cisneros, former mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. As one of the first Mexican American mayors of a major U.S. city, he led with vision, inclusion, and a deep commitment to equity. I admire how he navigated power while staying rooted in community and how he used his role to expand opportunity for those historically left out. His example reminds me that leadership can be both bold and compassionate, and that public service can be a force for lasting change.
One book I often recommend is Evicted by Matthew Desmond. It powerfully illustrates how housing instability shapes every other part of people’s lives—from education to health to employment—and why we can’t build a just society without addressing the housing crisis head-on. It also highlights the structural forces behind poverty and displacement, rather than blaming individuals. That perspective aligns closely with my political philosophy: that public policy must tackle root causes, center the voices of those most impacted, and treat housing as a human right. For a broader view, I also return often to The Revolution Will Not Be Funded by INCITE!, which challenges us to rethink how systems of power operate and who they truly serve.
I believe the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a deep commitment to the public good. Elected leaders should be grounded in the communities they serve, listen more than they speak, and lead with empathy—especially toward those who are often left out of decision-making. I also believe in transparency, standing firm in your values, and being willing to challenge systems that don’t work for working families. For me, public service is about building trust and delivering results that make people’s lives better—not just in the short term, but for generations to come.
I bring a combination of lived experience, policy expertise, and a deep commitment to community that I believe would make me an effective and accountable officeholder. I am the daughter and granddaughter of farmworkers, and I know firsthand the struggles that working families face. That background fuels my passion for equity and justice. I currently serve on the Lansing School District Board of Education, where I work to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education and the support they need to succeed. I also bring years of experience as a housing scholar and community advocate, where I have focused on addressing housing insecurity and expanding opportunity. Through these roles, I have learned how to navigate complex systems while staying grounded in the needs of everyday people. I listen closely, work collaboratively, and lead with integrity, transparency, and the courage to challenge systems that are not working for our communities.
The core responsibilities of a City Council member are to represent the needs and priorities of their constituents, shape policies that improve quality of life, and ensure that public resources are used equitably and transparently. For me, that means fighting to bring real investment to Ward 2—creating affordable housing, updating parks and public spaces for families, and supporting small businesses that are the backbone of our neighborhoods. It also means being accessible, listening to the community, and holding city departments accountable. Ultimately, this role is about making sure every neighborhood has a voice at the table and ensuring local government delivers for all of us—not just a privileged few.
I want to leave a legacy of justice, care, and courageous leadership. I hope people will remember me as someone who fought for those who were too often ignored, including renters, working families, young people, and people experiencing homelessness. I want to be known for helping shift power back to the community and for advancing policies that made housing more affordable, neighborhoods more livable, and government more accountable. I learned this commitment early in life. Growing up in a farmworker community, I saw firsthand how many people were excluded from the systems meant to serve them. I learned that the privilege of citizenship came with the responsibility to act, especially on behalf of those who could not speak up for themselves. Most of all, I want to leave behind communities that are more equitable and inclusive than the ones I inherited, where future generations, can thrive.
The first historical event I remember is the 1992 Los Angeles uprising. I was six years old, and while I didn’t fully understand the politics, I remember the news coverage and the conversations around me about injustice, police violence, and anger in the streets. Not long after, César Chávez passed away in 1993 just a few blocks from my home in San Luis, Arizona. As the daughter of farmworkers who were deeply committed to the farmworker labor movement, his death was deeply personal. It was not just the loss of a leader but a moment that underscored the ongoing fight for dignity and justice for working people. Later, as a high school student, I experienced the impact of September 11. That day changed the national landscape and made clear how major events shape policy, public perception, and our everyday lives. These three moments were formative for me. They helped shape my values and drive my commitment to equity, public service, and community-rooted leadership.
I started working at the age of 14, selling women’s clothing on weekends at the local swap meet. A year later, I was hired by the company that ran the swap meet, where I was responsible for collecting the fifty-cent entrance fee. Since then, I have worked continuously in a variety of roles. That early experience taught me the value of hard work, the importance of community spaces, and what it means to earn trust one interaction at a time. It also shaped my deep respect for working people and fuels my commitment to fighting for economic justice today.
One of my favorite books is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. I love how it blends humor, imagination, and sharp social commentary. It reminds me not to take life or bureaucracy too seriously, and it offers a playful yet insightful look at the absurdities of the world. It also celebrates curiosity and resilience, which are qualities I value deeply. Sometimes, in the middle of complex work and serious issues, it is good to be reminded to keep asking questions, to stay open-minded, and to always bring a sense of wonder with you.
When I was young, I wanted to be Sofia from So Far From God by Ana Castillo. I was fascinated by her because I recognized so much of who she was. She was strong, stubborn, resourceful, and deeply rooted in her community. In many ways, she reminded me of the women in my own family, the ones I loved and admired for their resilience and heart. But Sofia was also something more—she was an organizer, a leader, and the first Latina "politician" I ever saw in a book as a kind of unofficial mayor of Tome. She showed me that women like us could run towns, stand up to power, and take care of our people without losing who we are. That story left a mark on me, Ana Castillo is a heck of a writer!
The last song that got stuck in my head was “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz. It’s one of those songs that lifts your spirit no matter what kind of day you’re having.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been navigating systems that were never designed for people like me. As the daughter and granddaughter of farmworkers, I grew up in a working-class, immigrant community where access to opportunity was limited and resources were scarce. I was the first in my family to go to college, and throughout my education and career, I often had to find my own way without the guidance or networks that others took for granted. Balancing school, work, and family responsibilities at a young age was not easy, but it taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of building systems that truly support people—not just those with privilege or connections. That experience shapes how I lead and why I fight so hard for equity and justice.
One little-known but important power of City Council is its authority over the city budget. Every dollar the city spends, whether on road repairs, youth programs, or public safety, must be approved by the Council. This gives Councilmembers real influence over the city's priorities and allows them to advocate for investments that truly reflect the needs of the community. Another responsibility that is often overlooked is land use and zoning. Council decisions determine where housing, businesses, and public services can be built, which has a direct impact on affordability, equity, and the character of neighborhoods. Many residents are not aware of just how much power local government holds in shaping daily life, and I believe it is our duty to make those processes more transparent and inclusive.
I believe that while previous experience in government or politics can be helpful, it is not the only path to effective leadership. What matters most is a strong connection to the community, a commitment to public service, and the ability to listen, learn, and lead with integrity. Experience can help with navigating complex systems and policies, but lived experience in areas like housing, education, or community advocacy can be just as valuable. I bring both to this role. I have served on the Lansing School Board and worked in public policy, and I am also a parent, a renter, and someone who has spent years organizing alongside my neighbors. We need leaders who understand how systems work and who are grounded in the everyday realities of the people they represent.
The most helpful skills for someone in this office include strong communication, the ability to build relationships across diverse communities, and a solid understanding of public policy and budgeting. Councilmembers need to be good listeners and problem-solvers who can translate community needs into actionable policy. They should also be able to analyze complex issues, ask tough questions, and hold city departments accountable. Equally important is a commitment to collaboration and transparency, as well as the ability to navigate both grassroots concerns and institutional processes. Ultimately, the best Councilmembers are those who can combine technical knowledge with empathy and a deep sense of responsibility to the people they serve.
This office is unique because it serves as the direct voice of the people in local government. City Councilmembers are responsible for passing ordinances, approving the city budget, and shaping policies that affect daily life, including housing, public safety, transportation, and neighborhood investment. What makes the role especially important is its close connection to residents. Councilmembers are often the first point of contact when people need assistance or want to advocate for change. They help set the city’s priorities and provide oversight to ensure that public agencies are responsive and accountable. This combination of legislative authority and strong community connection makes the office a powerful and essential part of local democracy.
How many urban planners does it take to change a lightbulb?
Just one, but they’ll hold three community meetings and draft a 40-page report first.
Just one, but they’ll hold three community meetings and draft a 40-page report first.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are essential. Public dollars should serve the public good, and residents deserve to know how their money is being spent and why. That requires clear and accessible reporting, inclusive budgeting processes, and meaningful oversight of how city contracts and resources are allocated. I also believe accountability is about more than just audits or compliance; it is about trust. Elected officials must be responsive to their constituents, follow through on their commitments, and be honest when something is not working. As a City Council member, I would support participatory budgeting, increased community oversight, and policies that make local government more transparent and focused on serving the people.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 6, 2025
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