About Laura Avila
A Trusted Taxpayer Advoate
Laura was raised in Bakersfield and graduated from Highland High School. She attended Bakersfield College before moving on to Fresno to attend California State University Fresno where she earned her Bachelor's in Science for Real Estate and Land Economics. Upon graduating from college, Laura couldn't wait to move back to Bakersfield to begin a career. After working a couple years in the real estate industry, the opportunity to become a public servant presented itself in a position at the Assessor's Office.
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Laura quickly began to rise within the office, from a low-level Appraiser to now the Assistant Assessor. As the Assistant Assessor, her responsibilities include leading the operations of the office and overseeing the 87 managers, supervisors, appraisers, auditor-appraisers, title process and valuations clerks and internal HR staff. Laura is dedicated to defending Proposition 13 and ensuring that taxpayers pay no more than is required by law.
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The current Assessor-Recorder Jon Lifquist has endorsed Laura to succeed him as the next leader for Kern County. He has seen her leadership, her advocacy for taxpayers, and her staunch defense of Proposition 13. Laura is proud to have earned the trust of the current Assessor-Recorder and the trust of hundreds of taxpayers she has helped during the years.
Outside of work, Laura volunteers her time for her children's school through being the PTA President for many years as well as serving as the Chair of the School Site Council. Laura also helped form Brigade Recreational Youth Soccer League. Although, they had to close the organization down in 2021, she was an executive board member for 14 years, providing a fun and exciting recreational soccer experience for the youth of Kern.
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When Laura is not working or volunteering her time, she is with her family. Laura comes from a very large and fun family that continues to grow. She has been married to Phillip for 20 years and they have three beautiful children, Brandon, Cooper, and Devyn. As a family they enjoy attending Condor's games, going to the beach, camping, and hiking.
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