Reduced pollution. Lower utility bills. More trees. Increased access to healthy food. These and other objectives for South Los Angeles are being advanced by investments totaling $35 million from California’s Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC). The goal is a healthier, more prosperous community.
Aerial view of South Los Angeles
Credit: Wikipedia / Alfred Twu
UCLA’S WORK: DOCUMENTING & LEARNING
The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation has a front row seat to the work of environmental justice champions. Our team is documenting the groundbreaking climate action taking place in South Los Angeles thanks to a grant from California’s Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program.
We are collecting and sharing data on measurable accomplishments as well as the stories from residents, business owners, workers, and others who have shaped — or been shaped by TCC. This website also serves as an evaluation hub to report progress around climate action in South Los Angeles, with measurable outcomes and publicly available data. Much can be learned to inform and inspire collective action in other communities.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
South Los Angeles is a vibrant and diverse region in the City of Los Angeles. South LA has a complex history of migration, industry shifts, and racist housing practices that have shaped the region. Its residents have experienced environmental injustices with proximity to polluting industries, inadequate green spaces, and poor air quality. Recent community investment and advocacy are a bright spot in South LA’s progress towards environmental resiliency.
ABOUT SOUTH LA ECO-LAB
The South LA Eco-Lab is a coalition of community-based organizations and government agencies that have partnered to advance economic development through climate action for an inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient South LA community.
The South LA Eco-Lab’s synergistic projects are seeds cultivated by community residents, small businesses, community-based organizations, and public agencies in these neighborhoods. The seeds will blossom into a South LA oasis, one with serene green spaces, energy and water efficient infrastructure, and … safe active travel and public transit, all of which enhance public health, well-being, and environmental benefits, including reduction in greenhouse gases. – South LA Eco-Lab Partners
Partner Organizations
Projects and Plans
TCC investment in South LA totals $35 million to fund a suite of projects and plans that reduce pollution, offer job training opportunities, and offset energy and transportation costs for low-income households. TCC investment is complemented by $24 million+ in leveraged/matching funds. South LA Eco-Lab’s efforts include:
5 Projects that make the community greener and more walkable/bikeable
3 Transformative plans that promote community engagement, displacement avoidance, and workforce development
2 Projects that increase access to electrified transportation options
2 Projects that reduce urban heat
1 Project that increases access to public transit
1 Project that generates renewable energy
SOUTH LA ECO-LAB ACCOMPLISHMENTS
** = AS OF JUNE 2025
* = AS OF JUNE 2024
9,374
total free Metro transit passes distributed to
K-12 students,
low-income residents, and disabled residents**
1,700
miles traveled on
e-bikes**
174
individuals received free legal information or training about housing or commercial property policies*
161
trees planted**
38
speed humps installed**
13
resident-inclusive meetings held to govern the implementation of South LA Eco-Lab*
12
solar systems installed on properties occupied by low-income households**
10
adults employed through workforce placement opportunities**
STORIES FROM THE COMMUNITY
The UCLA evaluation team has authored a series of profiles on South LA residents, workers, and local leaders, who have shaped — or been shaped by — the implementation of TCC investments. Sample stories include:
Born and raised in South LA, Angeles Martinez is a young adult who participated in a TCC-funded workforce development program where she learned how to install solar panels.
Link to: Training programs in South LA prepare young residents to further their professional goals
[The solar panel installation program] helped me get my foot into the door within the construction industry. It was very advantageous … I now have something with me I can take to support my family. – ANGELES MARTINEZ
We are thankful to many partners for making our work in South LA possible. We are especially grateful to the California Strategic Growth Council for dedicating resources to conduct a third-party evaluation of TCC investments in South LA. We also owe so much gratitude to the South LA Eco-Lab for trusting us to showcase their work and for all of their logistical support along the way.
Top page photo:
GRID Alternative trainees receive instruction and install solar panels in June 2024
Credit: GRID Alternatives