REIMAGINing
L.A. COUNTY
We are a people-powered coalition working to transform Los Angeles County’s priorities from punishment to care, healing, and community investment.
Why this mattersThe Problem
L.A. County continues to invest in systems that punish, while communities are left without the care they need to survive and thrive.
Every year, billions of public dollars are funneled into incarceration, policing, and systems that have consistently failed to keep us safe. Meanwhile, housing remains out of reach, mental health services are underfunded, youth programs are cut, and community-based solutions are forced to do more with less.
Budget prioritiesFunding harm over care
Los Angeles County continues to spend billions on incarceration, policing, and punitive systems while critical services like housing, mental health care, youth programs, and economic support remain underfunded and inaccessible for many communities.
Systemic InequityImpact of over-policing
Black, Brown, low-income, and other directly impacted communities face the highest levels of criminalization, surveillance, displacement, and economic instability while being denied the resources needed to live safely and thrive.
FALSE SCARCITYBudgets reflect values
County leaders often claim there is not enough funding for community investment, yet continue expanding and protecting costly systems of punishment instead of investing in community-based solutions that prevent harm, support healing, and build long-term safety.
OUR IMPACTReal wins
Together, we’re shifting resources, building power, and proving that Care First is possible.
Through sustained advocacy and community organizing, we’ve helped move over $1 billion into Care First investments, championed a participatory budgeting pilot that puts decision-making in the hands of residents, and mobilized thousands across L.A. County to engage in the budget process. These wins show what’s possible when we organize—but the work is far from over.
$1.7
Billion reinvested into Care First programs
400
Over 400 community-based organizations engaged and supported
3K+
Community members mobilized for budget transparency
OUR VISIONcare first. a thriving l.a.
We envision an L.A. County where budget decisions reflect community needs and public investments prioritize care, dignity, and opportunity for all.
Our vision is a county where taxpayer dollars are transparently invested in the programs and services communities need most — housing, mental health care, youth development, economic opportunity, prevention and community-based solutions.
We believe true public safety is built through sustained community investment, democratic participation, and budgets that prioritize care over punishment.
Tools & insightsresources
Get the data, tools, and analysis you need to understand the budget and take action.
Explore our reports, toolkits, and research to break down how public dollars are spent in L.A. County and how we can advocate for investments that put care first.
WATCH & LEARNCommunity voices
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We didn’t come this far to only come this far
Measure J was successful because of the outpouring of support from advocates, community members, and the public who believed deeply that we address racial injustice by investing in health, housing, and jobs.