Westside Vision Coalition's platform reflects our shared vision and guides our collective work for a healthier Westside.

The Westside Vision Coalition is a transformative alliance of non-profit organizations devoted to building a district rooted in justice, equity, and collective liberation. Through bold advocacy and people-centered policy, we tackle systemic inequities and empower all residents to live with dignity and hope.

We are committed to dismantling the entrenched structures of poverty and systemic racism that have resulted in the systematic erasure of working families, particularly indigenous, black and latinx families and essential workers in our city district. By addressing root causes and prioritizing community-led solutions that meet everyone’s basic needs, we aim to replace harm with healing and despair with opportunity. Together, we envision a future where every individual has the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.

Below is a list of priorities for the district that have emerged via community conversations, led by the various organizations who have leaned into coalition meetings. As we grow the conversation to more community members, the coalition imagines that some of what’s listed below may evolve, though the vision above will hold stable.

Expand Green Spaces: Demand the creation of vibrant urban parks and community green spaces that prioritize well-being and environmental sustainability. Fight to protect and enhance existing natural areas with amenities that ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all.

Combat Air Pollution: Push for the immediate closure of polluting oil and gas operations. Advocate for comprehensive air quality monitoring and community-led environmental health initiatives to protect our neighborhoods.

Transition to Renewable Energy: Champion an urgent transition to 100% renewable, non-combustion energy sources, creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Preserve Natural Ecosystems: Mobilize to protect wetlands, mountain ranges, and other critical ecosystems while amplifying tree planting and carbon sequestration projects to combat climate change.

Radical Public Transportation Solutions: Demand expanded, accessible, free and zero-emission public transportation networks that connect all communities, particularly those historically excluded.

Create Truly Safe Streets: Fight for bold investments in protected bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, and traffic-calming measures to ensure streets are equitable and safe for everyone, not just cars.

Design Streets for People: Advocate for street designs that prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit, creating safe and accessible spaces for everyone.

Expand Transit Lanes: Commit to building dedicated bus and bike lanes to reduce emissions and enhance mobility options across the Westside.

Strengthen Tenant Protections: Advocate for uncompromising tenant protections, including universal rent control and stronger anti-eviction measures.

Expand Housing Options: Push for transformative solutions like social housing, community land trusts, and cooperative housing to ensure permanent affordability and community control.

Support for Unhoused Neighbors: End the criminalization of homelessness by prioritizing humane and effective solutions such as permanent supportive housing, mental health care, and workforce training.

Make Housing a Human Right: Confront the commodification of housing by enshrining policies that center housing as a fundamental human right over profit.

Protect Existing Affordable Housing: Prevent displacement by preserving and rehabilitating affordable housing stock across the district.

Demand Living Wages: Fight for a guaranteed living wage that reflects the true cost of living and protects workers from exploitation.

Expand Public Jobs: Protect public resources from privatization and invest in well-paying public sector jobs that serve the community.

Defend Union Rights: Ensure every worker has the right to organize by demanding employer neutrality and supporting worker-led efforts to build power.

Workers’ Voice in Public Safety: Empower workers to co-create public safety policies that prioritize community well-being over punitive measures.

Invest in Public Education: Demand robust funding for public schools to ensure that every child has access to quality education. Reject all austerity measures and school privatization schemes.

Empower Communities: Build strong connections between schools, libraries, and local organizations to create opportunities for youth leadership and civic engagement.

Support Educators: Partner with unions like UTLA to guarantee fair pay, benefits, and working conditions for teachers and staff.

Build Inclusive Schools: Reduce inequities by fostering collaboration among local schools and ensuring that every student feels valued and included.

Protect Immigrant Communities: Stand with immigrant and migrant families by demanding comprehensive workplace protections, equitable housing, and an end to predatory practices.

Empower Local Entrepreneurs: Champion protections and resources for street vendors and micro-businesses to build economic power in immigrant communities.

Build Sanctuary Policies: Strengthen local firewalls that shield immigrant families from federal immigration enforcement and foster trust in public spaces and services.

Expand Civic Participation: Advocate for municipal voting rights for all residents, regardless of immigration status, to ensure every voice is heard.

Expand Crisis Response: Replace punitive policing with unarmed crisis response teams and community-led safety programs that address root causes of harm.

Invest in Care and Healing: Direct resources toward harm-reduction programs, trauma-informed care hubs, and community-led initiatives that prioritize health and well-being.

Reimagine Neighborhood Safety: Advance proactive solutions like public education campaigns, anti-theft devices, and improved public infrastructure to address issues such as property crime.

Protect Small Business Tenants: Push for commercial rent control and tenant protections to prevent displacement of small businesses and sustain local economies.

Innovative Economic Models: Promote cooperative business models and community-owned enterprises that empower workers and neighborhoods.

Community-Led Budgeting: Advocate for community participation to create a city budget that reflects the needs and aspirations of our neighborhoods, prioritizing investments in housing, education, environmental sustainability, and equitable public safety over punitive or extractive expenditures.