NEWS

UCLA experts guide commission’s L.A. fire recovery and rebuilding recommendations

Led by the Luskin Center for Innovation, more than 40 scholars contributed their expertise to the independent commission, which issued its final recommendations today.

Turning data into dialogue: Luskin Center for Innovation-inspired art exhibit brings shade equity to life

Roots of Cool: A Celebration of Trees and Shade in a Warming World, a new exhibition running from July 12 to October 12 at Descanso Gardens, brings shade equity to life through a multisensory art experience.

National shade map from UCLA and American Forests launched to combat deadly urban heat

This new tool pinpoints where shade is lacking across 360-plus cities and towns.

UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation provides an early overview of how LA’s water systems and their residents were impacted by the 2025 wildfires

From boil-water advisories to direct infrastructure damage, findings underscore the need for equitable and resilient recovery.

Welcome Jean Claude, our new data scientist and associate project manager

Learn more about our newest team member and his role.

UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation to guide the City of LA’s efforts to advance equitable access to local water supplies

Key equity goals UCLA research will support include tap water understanding and trust, affordability, and broader community engagement.

UCLA Luskin Summit 2025: A Vision for Equitable Recovery After the LA Fires

The UCLA Luskin Summit 2025 brought experts together to explore pathways to equitable and resilient rebuilding in the wake of the LA Fires.

UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation’s Gregory Pierce to lead a new water supply + wildfire research and policy coordination network

Funded by UCLA’s Climate & Wildfire Research Initiative and UCANR, the network aims to strengthen preparedness and recovery at the water-fire nexus.

Amaya joins the Luskin Center for Innovation as our Events and Operations Coordinator

Learn more about our newest team member and her role.

Welcome to our new staff researcher, Camille Burrus

Meet this member of our Transformative Climate Communities team.

Introducing our new project manager and researcher, Alex Aguirre Levitas

Learn about Alex’s role supporting transformative climate action in South LA.

UCLA partners with new independent Blue Ribbon Commission for climate-resilient L.A. fire recovery

UCLA scholars will provide research-informed options to inform policy recommendations to rebuild, retrofit, and catalyze climate-resiliency investments.

For the Press: UCLA research and commentary on the LA fire response and recovery

Our experts are available to comment on: 1) water supply and urban water systems; 2) air quality and public health impacts; 3) land use and governance considerations; 4) politics of disaster and response; and 5) climate whiplash and extreme weather.

On the fires, from UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

In the coming weeks, we will work with our colleagues at UCLA and partners across the region to help shape efforts that expedite recovery while advancing equity and resilience in our rapidly changing environment.

The Luskin Center for Innovation-based Center for Heat Resilient Communities is now accepting applications

The Center will engage and support 10 communities and tribal entities in determining the best strategies for local heat mitigation and management.

UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation releases Strategic Roadmap

Journeying through 15 years of impact, our priorities for the next few years, and opportunities to partner

The Luskin Center for Innovation develops an equity framework to identify and invest in plastic-burdened communities

The plastic pollution exposure crisis is an environmental justice issue.

The Luskin Center for Innovation co-hosts the first-ever Southern California urban forest equity symposium

With more than 170 researchers, practitioners, community members, and representatives from government and nonprofit organizations

We’re hiring an events and operations coordinator

Apply by December 20

UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation joins international team to support community-driven energy transition planning

A coalition of universities and community organizations aims to integrate justice principles into local efforts.

The Luskin Center for Innovation co-develops decision-making framework and toolkit that centers equity in tree planting

To help address historic underinvestment and protect against extreme heat

UCLA evaluates L.A.’s plan to invest billions of dollars in wastewater recycling infrastructure

To increase water supply resiliency to climate-induced drought, earthquakes, and future costs

Art and education series increases awareness about LA’s water past and future

Art, education, and water collided in “What’s on Tap.”

UCLA Documents a Model for Community-Led Climate Action

This video highlights three CA Transformative Climate Communities leading comprehensive, collaborative, equitable, and innovative climate action.