Political Will
Legislative Advocacy
Political Will Initiative Area: State and Federal Legislative Advocacy Strategies
Indicators of Community Progress Toward the Goal
GOAL
Commit state and federal resources to the City and County plans.*
INDICATORS
AlignmentThe community adopts a consistent state and federal advocacy strategy. 
FunctionalityLocal leaders support the state and national strategy. 
SustainabilityInfluential state and federal champions support the local community strategies to end homelessness.STATUS THROUGH 2018
Rapid ProgressA community workgroup began meeting to discuss coordination on state advocacy strategies. HUD Secretary Ben Carson visited Los Angeles and met with local leaders to discuss homelessness and the community’s strategies to combat it.HUD Technical Assistance providers worked with Los Angeles officials on supporting locally defined goals and strategies to combat homelessness.
Suitable Progress Suitable ProgressHUD Secretary Ben Carson visited Los Angeles and met with local leaders to discuss homelessness and the community’s strategies to combat it.HUD Technical Assistance providers worked with Los Angeles officials on supporting locally defined goals and strategies to combat homelessness.RECOMMENDATIONS
The state advocacy workgroup should continue to coordinate on statewide policies and funding opportunities. Stakeholders should continue to engage local elected officials to advocate for the resources and policy changes that Los Angeles needs to combat chronic homelessness. Stakeholders should emphasize a focus on a sustainable and long-term funding that is needed across the state to address homelessness. Community stakeholders should continue to cultivate relationships with state and federal officials and should seek opportunities to meet with elected and appointed officials to showcase Los Angeles’ plan for addressing homelessness, highlighting progress made, and advocating for additional legislation and funding needed.
*Not articulated in the Foundation five-year strategy; not expected to be fully achieved within the Phase II timeframe
Indicators of the Foundation’s Contribution to Community Progress
Direct EngagementFoundation staff works with community stakeholders to educate local, state, and federal elected officials as appropriate.2018: Strong Impact 2018: Strong ImpactGrant Making PortfolioPolitical Will grant portfolio addresses the need for a state and federal advocacy strategy
Opportunities for Los Angeles
Community Opportunity: Recent activity at the state legislative level demonstrates that Governor Newsom intends to address homelessness and the lack of affordable housing during his term. Community stakeholders should use this as an opportunity to meet with state elected officials to showcase Los Angeles’s plans for addressing homelessness, highlight progress made, and advocate for additional legislation and needed funding.
What to Monitor Next Year
- How will the local state advocacy workgroup coordinate its efforts and align on the community’s priorities?
- How has the state prioritized addressing the homelessness crisis?
