The city of L.A. is asking residents from Boyle Heights, Southeast L.A., Mission Hills, Panorama City and North Hills to vote on a series of community programs that would receive funding from the city.
Why it matters
These neighborhoods are designated by the city as REPAIR Zones, which stands for Reforms for Equity and Public Acknowledgement of Institutional Racism. There’s a total of nine REPAIR Zones that stretch across L.A., from Harbor Gateway to the San Fernando Valley.
These communities were determined by the city as areas that have been impacted by structural and institutional racism. At least 87% of the population in those communities identity as people of color, and 16% live below the poverty line according to L.A Civil Rights.
This is the first time the city is offering a participatory budget, where residents from the LA REPAIR Zones can voice how they want to see city funds invested in their communities.
Why now
As of April 1st, the first group to take part in the participatory budget opened for residents from Boyle Heights, Southeast L.A., North Hills-Mission Hills-Panorama City. Residents will vote on which proposal they want to see funded by the city.
The proposals come from community based organizations who created a range of programs that would serve the environment, housing and transportation, health and wellbeing. Each community has a total of $775,000 to fund up to three programs. Some of the programs include community gardening, mental health services and youth mentorship.
Here’s where you can access the full list of proposals for and voter guides for:
These neighborhoods have until the end of April to…
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