The Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell is launching its first participatory budget pilot program in the 2nd District, allocating a total of $1 million dollars to the Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights communities.
What is a Participatory Budget?
Participatory budgeting or PB is a democratic and inclusive process that invites community members to directly influence and decide how a public budget will be allocated. PB is an approach to public engagement that puts real decision-making power over real money directly into the hands of residents. With community leadership and engaging outreach events, PB offers community members the opportunity to determine how to spend County budget dollars to create changes that they want to see in their neighborhood.
Participatory Budget Steps
Designing Process
An advisory committee will be formed, which will include representatives from the community and relevant stakeholders to develop the plan for implementation.
Idea Collection
Residents and relevant stakeholders will be invited to submit ideas for how to use the funds in their community.
Voting and Selection
Residents will vote on which projects they believe should receive funding.
Implementation
The projects that receive the highest number of votes will be funded and carried out by the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.
Monitoring and Reporting
Progress and outcomes of the selected projects will be monitored and reported to the community, ensuring transparency and accountability.
VIRTUAL INFO SESSION
The Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, in partnership with Participatory Budgeting Project and Re-Imagine LA, hosted an informative session on our first participatory budget pilot for the Ladera Heights and Florence-Firestone community!
Apply to Become a Community Engagement Partner
The 2nd District Community Budget project is excited to give community-based organizations the opportunity to lead outreach and engagement efforts across two unincorporated neighborhoods, Ladera Heights and Florence-Firestone. Selected organizations will receive funds to provide outlets for community members to participate in this process by brainstorming and proposing project ideas and voting on the ballot to determine which projects will be funded and implemented in their community.
Activities funded through this program may include but are not limited to educational events, canvassing or phone banking campaigns, informational tabling, digital outreach campaigns, or other outreach initiatives that will enable community members to decide how to spend a total of $1 million between Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights -- $500,000 per community.
Community Engagement Partner Info Session
Monday, January 29 | 12:30pm via Zoom
There is a total of $50,000 available for partner organizations (up to roughly $10,000 per organization) that are selected to lead outreach and engagement efforts through the Community Engagement Partnership Program.
Community Engagement Partner Tentative Timeline
Community Engagement Partner Information Session
Community Engagement Partner Application Closes
Community Engagement Partner Selection
Community Engagement Partner Onboarding & Orientation
*Tentative timeline, please check back for updates
The Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell invites everyone who lives or works in the Florence-Firestone or Ladera Heights communities, regardless of immigration status, to share their ideas on how to allocate $1 million to improve their communities.
Submit your ideas by June 15th!
Idea submissions are now closed. Voting will begin in the fall.
Sign-up to receive updates on the 2nd District Community Budget:
PARTICIPATORY GRANTMAKING: APPLICATION COMING SOON!
Voting on 2nd District Community Budget Ideas has ended. We’re entering the grantmaking phase to help make the top proposals a reality. Organizations will soon have the opportunity to apply to be Community Implementation Partners to fulfill the top proposals voted on by the Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights communities.
Community Implementation Partner Application Now Open
The 2nd District Community Budget is now in the implementation phase, providing $1.7 million in grants to Community Implementation Partners to help make the winning community proposals in Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights a reality.
Organizations interested in implementing these initiatives are encouraged to complete the Community Implementation Partner Application. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 10.
COMMUNITY IMPLEMENTATION PARTNER APPLICATION
2ND DISTRICT COMMUNITY BUDGET WINNING PROPOSALS
In the fall of 2024, community members in Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights engaged in the 2nd District Community Budget by voting for their favorite proposals for improving their community that were submitted by their fellow residents.
A total of $1.7 million has been allocated for the community budget. The Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell provided $1 million ($500,000 for each community) and The Reimagine LA Coalition has provided an extra $420,000 to Florence-Firestone and $280,000 to Ladera Heights (equitably distributed based on population size) to allow for more projects to be implemented.
FLORENCE-FIRESTONE WINNING PROPOSALS
Challenge: Florence-Firestone currently has a deficit in greenery, making our community hotter and less enjoyable for residents. Investing in green spaces is critical to the health and well-being of both individuals and the community as a whole.
Program Goal: The proposed program is a community-driven initiative aimed to foster a stronger community by increasing greenery in the community by planting more trees, installing planters, and distribution of trees to residents. It aims to improve community health and overall quality of life. The Community Based Organization selected for this program will need to include a collaborative approach, engaging residents, and nonprofit organizations in the planning, development, and maintenance of these green spaces.
Challenge: Florence-Firestone Is Home aims to address housing insecurity and invest in the local safety net for low-income Florence-Firestone residents.
Program Goal: The proposed program aims to advance poverty alleviation efforts and provide housing supports to disrupt housing insecurity by providing economic support to residents who may be experiencing the impacts of rent increases, inflation, displacement, or unexpected costs related to financial burdens.
This alleviation will be provided in the form of cash grants as a one-time relief opportunity with the option to be renewed up to three times within one year. This pilot aims to support anywhere between 200 – 600 Florence-Firestone residents in the amount of $500 per cash grant. This program would effectively meet critical housing needs at a time when cost of living and housing insecurity in Los Angeles continue to rise. The Community Based Organization selected for this proposal will need to include a robust outreach and marketing campaign to reach residents and demonstrate the administrative and accounting capacity to manage and distribute the grants.
Program Goal: The proposed program aims to connect residents to ready-to-hire jobs with family-sustaining wages. This will consist of pre-screening candidates to match them to available employment. In addition, participants will be provided employment-ready services such as soft skills, resume building, apprentice work, interview preparation, and mentorship. The initiative will be inclusive to non-English speakers, participants at any point in their career (college graduates, mid-career, and entry-level), and various occupational backgrounds. This proposal may also include a local job fair to support community members in connecting to ready-to-hire jobs that provide family-sustaining wages. The Community Based Organization selected for this proposal will need to include a plan for outreaching to potential employers.
LADERA HEIGHTS WINNING PROPOSALS
Challenge: Ladera Heights is one of Southern California’s most beautiful and affluent neighborhoods. Many similar areas have used tree distribution programs, updated landscaping, outdoor art and lighting to enhance the beauty of their yards and neighborhood.
Project goal: This proposed project aims to improve the perimeter common areas by adding brick and mortar community signs (Ladera Heights) and plant climate specific trees and landscape features to increase aesthetic values of neighborhoods and support environmental and public health benefits. It will focus on supporting community members in underdeveloped areas to access drought-tolerant plants and trees, lighting, and outdoor art. The Community Based Organization selected will need to have a robust community engagement and marketing plan to involve local residents in the program.
Challenge: As our community ages, many senior residents face challenges related to digital exclusion and physical inactivity, which can lead to isolation and decreased quality of life. A significant number of seniors lack the skills to effectively use technology, hindering their ability to connect with loved ones and access vital resources. At the same time, limited opportunities for physical activity contribute to health issues and social disengagement. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive initiative that not only enhances the Yvonne B. Burke Senior and Community Center’s programming but also empowers seniors to embrace technology and engage in physical activities.
Project goal: This proposed project aims to enhance the programming at the Yvonne B. Burke Senior and Community Center. This initiative is designed to support the overall well-being of the community’s senior residents by promoting digital literacy and encouraging physical activity The addition of digital literacy classes will provide seniors with the tools needed to stay connected with family, access essential online services, and participate in educational programs. The selected Community Based Organization will provide consistent programming while making connections with other programs and organizations to fulfill the project goal.
Challenge: The COVID-19 lockdown exposed how many people are digitally isolated and how difficult it is to attain employment or other resources without internet access. The pandemic increased the digital divide gap with our community members.
Project goal: This proposed project aims to establish a new program at a local community center to provide technology classes for residents of all ages, aimed at improving digital skills and helping participants become more tech-savvy. The program will feature expert-led sessions and has a total budget of $175,000, which includes expenses for instructors and tools. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate and job placement assistance to help participants apply their newly acquired skills in the workforce.
The selected Community Based Organization will need to develop eligibility requirements to ensure access to those most in need and provide consistent programming for at least 12 months.
Challenge: Despite the increasing demand for skilled workers in high-growth industries, many young people in our community face significant barriers to employment, including limited access to job training, mentorship, and real-world work experience. There is a critical need for structured employment and job training initiatives that empowers youth aged 14 to 24 with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to secure meaningful, paid jobs that can lead to sustainable career pathways.
Project goal: This proposed project aims to provide funding for nonprofits to lead an employment and job training initiative. Similar to LA County’s Youth at Work program, this program should offer a comprehensive set of services, including work experience, training, and support for residents ages 14 to 24. The program aims to place youth in paid jobs that lead to long-term career pathways in high-growth, in-demand industries. Funds will be used to help participants prepare resumes, receive hands-on job training, practice interview skills, and secure job placements. The selected Community Based Organization will need to have robust marketing and engagement to reach and involve local youth in the program and provide consistent programming over a 12 month period.
PARTICIPATORY GRANTMAKING: APPLICATION COMING SOON!
Voting on 2nd District Community Budget Ideas has ended. We’re entering the grantmaking phase to help make the top proposals a reality. Organizations will soon have the opportunity to apply to be Community Implementation Partners to fulfill the top proposals voted on by the Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights communities.
The Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell invites residents ages 16 and older, regardless of immigration status, who live in Florence-Firestone or Ladera Heights to vote on ideas submitted by fellow Florence-Firestone and Ladera Heights residents to determine how to allocate $500,000 to improve your community. Voting ends on November 22.
Vote by
Nov. 22!
SAVE THE DATE
Info Session for Community Implementation Partners
Wednesday, February 19 at 12:00 pm
Online via Zoom
Join the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell for an upcoming Info Session to learn more about the 2nd District Community Budget and the Community Implementation Partner application process. Our team will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the application and answer any questions you may have.
VIRTUAL INFO SESSION FOR COMMUNITY IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS
The Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, in partnership with Re-Imagine LA, and Tres Lunas Consulting, hosted an informative session on the 2nd District Community Budget Community Implementation Partner application process for organizations serving the Ladera Heights and Florence-Firestone community.
upcoming voting EVENTS
2nd District Community Budget Celebration & Resource Fair
Friday, October 18 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Roosevelt Park - 7600 Graham Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90001
Join the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell for a community event to help decide how $500,000 will be invested in Florence-Firestone! If you’re 16+ and live in the area, regardless of immigration status, join us to vote for your favorite project. Plus enjoy fun activities, free food, resources, and more!
Friday, October 18 | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
University Christian Church
5831 W. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA. 90045
Join the Ladera Heights Civic Association for a fun-filled event while you cast your vote. Enjoy tasty tacos from LA Taco Company, and stay for a screening of Inside Out 2. Don’t miss out!
Saturday, October 26 | 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Frank D. Parent Elementary
5354 W. 64th St., Inglewood, CA. 90302
Join the Ladera Heights Civic Association for a fun-filled event while you cast your vote. Enjoy tasty tacos from Ruben Taco Truck, and stay for a screening of Coco. Don’t miss out!
FAQ's
Yes, this amount is meant to go towards issue areas aren’t currently supported by County funds. Residents can get creative by voting on a package off small projects, or one large project. This is a pilot program and we are hoping that it will be successful so that it can be expanded.
$1,000,000 of Supervisor Mitchell’s discretionary funding has been allocated for the Ladera Heights and Florence-Firestone communities – $500,000 for each community. This is the largest amount of discretionary funding that the Supervisor has ever allocated.
The Reimagine LA Coalition has provided an extra $420,000 to Florence-Firestone and $280,000 to Ladera Heights (equitably distributed based on population size) to allow for more projects to be implemented.
Community Implementation Partner Related Questions
There is no requirement. Our office will be looking for experience and connection to the communities the organization is applying to serve.
This application is open to all, but priority will be given to nonprofits serving the areas.
It can be shared directly upon request. Please email 2DS-CommunityBudget@bos.lacounty.gov.
Organizations do not need to be based in Ladera Heights or Florence-Firestone, however, the services provided should be within the area to ensure access to the residents from these communities.
Please contact 2DS-CommunityBudget@bos.lacounty.gov.
Advisory Committee Related Questions
Advisory Committee meetings will occur weekly on Thursdays from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm via Zoom starting January 11 except January 18.
There will be one Saturday meeting on January 20, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Regular meetings will be held in the evening on Thursdays from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm via Zoom starting January 11th .
Yes, the total stipend for each member will range from $1,000 – $3,000 depending on their meeting attendance. Payouts will occur on a monthly basis.
Alternates were assigned during the Advisory Committee finalization process.
The Advisory Committee will lead meetings with the community with assistance from Reimagine LA and the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.
The Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell has developed a Decision Guidebook with more information on the 2nd District Community Budget process, outlining goals, priority areas, participation criteria and more. This document will continue to be updated, please check back for updates.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
