Advancing Community-Centered Environmental Sustainability in Los Angeles (ACCESS LA)
Organization: Thai Community Development Center
Funding Request: $500,000
Project Summary
The Thai CDC, through the ACCESS LA project, seeks to collaborate with impacted Black and People of Color (BIPOC) organizations in Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) in Los Angeles. The initiative aims to utilize various environmental investments to provide accessible and sustainable clean mobility options. By working together, underrepresented communities will have the opportunity to influence, execute, and take ownership of innovative solutions that promote education and adaptation to climate change.
Project Descriptions and Transportation Equity
ACCESS LA, a BIPOC-led initiative, aims to address historical disparities in clean transportation access for marginalized communities. Their focus is on providing sustainable transportation options to promote health, economic empowerment, and environmental justice. Key objectives include ensuring BIPOC community representation in decision-making, advocating for improved air quality and reduced pollution, and securing funding for equitable mobility initiatives. Strategies involve engaging communities through workshops, collaborating with stakeholders, supporting infrastructure development, and conducting outreach campaigns. Challenges include language barriers and the impact of COVID-19 on face-to-face outreach efforts.
Community Benefit
ACCESS LA aims to improve the well-being of disadvantaged communities in South, Central, East Los Angeles, and East Hollywood through a community development strategy focused on environmental sustainability, mobility justice, human rights, healthcare access, and neighborhood empowerment. The area is predominantly composed of Black and People of Color (BPoC), with 54% identified as low-income and 24% as limited English speakers. The community faces significant public and environmental health risks, ranking high for particulate matter and air toxicity. Additionally, the area struggles with transportation issues, including limited access to public transit and inadequate infrastructure for walking and biking, exacerbated by food deserts and car-centric roads.
Partnerships and Structure
ACCESS LA is a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting clean mobility in Los Angeles’ BIPOC communities. It evolved from a transportation-equity Steering Committee involving six local community-based organizations (CBOs) that have been guiding mobility initiatives since 2017. The mission focuses on advocating for mobility justice in low-income, transit-rich neighborhoods, ensuring access to essential resources. Each CBO represents a specific geographic area based on cultural competency and proximity to transit. Monthly meetings will include representatives from each CBO, with community participation encouraged. MDP will facilitate the collaboration and oversee grant progress, while LADOT will contribute to discussions on transportation initiatives. The initiative aims to enhance community knowledge, leadership, organizing, and power in addressing transportation needs.