There's No Place Like Home: Lula Davis-Holmes

Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes' work reflects a love of her community.

Written by Nancy Sokoler Steiner | Photographed by Micheal Neveux 

Lula Davis-Holmes chose Carson as the location to start her family in 1974. “It had close proximity to everything and had a family atmosphere,” she says. “I wanted to live in a place where children could run and play in the park.”

Five decades later, she still appreciates her choice. “I got to know all my neighbors and watched the kids grow up. Those neighborhood children and my kids are still friends,” says Davis-Holmes, whose two grown children also live in Carson.

As mayor, Davis-Holmes works to preserve Carson’s neighborhood feel while growing the city’s appeal more broadly. Elected in November 2020, her accomplishments include increasing the city’s housing supply, introducing a city sustainability and innovation department, and achieving an $88 million budget surplus. A new outlet mall will open next year, and the outdoor Carson Marketplace is planned for the near future. It will feature dining, shopping, a botanical garden and a performance pavilion, among other amenities. It is intended to become a regional draw.

Davis-Holmes says her proudest accomplishment as mayor is the Veterans Village of Carson. The 51-unit complex, which provides housing and amenities for veterans, opened in 2021. She rails against the poor treatment of veterans and the prevalence of homelessness among this population.

“We put some ribbons on a pole, say ‘Welcome Home’ and then close our eyes. Shame on us,” she says. “I wanted to send a message that if Carson can build housing, then all cities should do so.” A second Veterans Village for the city is currently under consideration.

After COVID-19, Davis-Holmes wanted children who’d been sequestered in their homes “back outside in the parks, running and playing and doing the things my kids did when they were growing up.” She spearheaded efforts to eliminate registration fees for city youth sports programs. Children can now participate on teams for free.

Davis-Holmes also secured a corporate grant of $350,000 to provide sports uniforms. “The uniforms are free, but parents must come and volunteer their time. I want parents back in the parks with their children,” she says.

Davis-Holmes began her career with the city as a recreation center supervisor in 1980. She advanced to a variety of positions including recreation superintendent, city council member and mayor pro tempore. As Carson’s first black female mayor, she chooses not to focus on the distinction. “I never use it as a crutch; I never use it as a strength. I was elected by the people to keep the city moving in a positive direction,” she says.

A breast cancer survivor, Davis-Holmes launched a women’s health conference and business expo nine years ago. “It’s entitled All About Me because women are so busy taking care of kids and husbands and families. We need a time and space to learn and address our own health concerns.” The October event, cosponsored by Torrance Memorial Medical Center since 2022, draws about 600 participants.

Davis-Holmes wants people to know Carson as she knows her city. “I want to rebrand Carson as a destination to live, work, play and pray.”