Posted on 10/21/2023
ONE BIG THING: DISPATCH FROM WASHINGTON DC
What Happened
This week, we joined Mayor Bass and City leaders in Washington DC to secure federal funding for our most pressing issues like homelessness, housing affordability, transit, green infrastructure, and supporting working class Angelenos.
From meeting with one of my biggest inspirations, Senator Bernie Sanders, to icons like AOC and Ayanna Pressley, it was incredible to build strong relationships with progressives in DC and solidify how the struggles of working people across our country are intricately connected.
Why it Matters
While meeting people like Bernie was definitely a highlight of the trip, we also made real progress on the biggest issues facing LA, and we came home with some tangible, potentially transformational wins.
On our trip, Mayor Bass announced that LA won a $48 million federal grant to strengthen our clean energy infrastructure. We also had extremely productive conversations with the Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, and the Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, Marcia Fudge, which we have no doubt will lead to new federal investments in building more affordable housing and a better transit system for LA.
Two More Quick Hits!
1. More Inclusive Street Vending in Hollywood
For years, a No-Street-Vending Zone on Hollywood Boulevard has targeted immigrant entrepreneurs who are just trying to provide for their families.
Yesterday, we took the first step toward dismantling this racist policy on Hollywood Blvd.
If our motion passes, street vendors, local businesses and community organizations will collaborate with the city on a first-of-its-kind "special vending zone" on Hollywood Blvd, which will inform a citywide framework for improving our street vending policies.
Stay tuned for more updates here as our motion goes through the legislative process!
2. Joining the US Secretary of Labor at the Hospitality Training Academy
On Thursday, we joined the incredible Acting US Secretary of Labor, California’s own Julie Su, at the Hospitality Training Academy.
The Hospitality Training Academy provides FREE job training for formerly incarcerated people and other folks looking for quality jobs in the hospitality industry. After a few months of classes and training, students are placed into good, union jobs that are in need of skilled workers.
This is an incredible program that should be supported and expanded by our local government, and it can serve as a model for uplifting working people across LA.