Community Conversations: Following the Money

Last year, Los Angeles County spent over $52 billion.

As residents, many of us have legitimate concerns about LA’s rising cost of housing, lack of community resources, and inadequate mental health services. Meanwhile, the LA County Sheriff and Probation departments receive over $5 billion each year, while the county is going broke due to multi-billion-dollar settlements from the harms and abuses of these very departments.

Do you really know where your tax dollars are going? Most people don’t, and that’s not by accident.

Every year, decisions about where public dollars go determine who gets resources and who gets left behind.

Urban Peace Institute (UPI) is bringing people together to change that. After a powerful first gathering on youth justice reform last August, we’re zeroing in on how county officials spend our money—because when communities control the conversation about resources, we all get closer to justice.

At this event, we’ll break down the controversial decisions officials are making with our money, where our money actually goes, and how everyday Angelenos can make their voices heard before decisions get made without us.

You’ll walk away with:

• A clearer understanding of LA County’s budget and how community can influence decision-making
• Perspectives from advocates and organizers working on budget equity in real time
• Concrete ways to take action and make your voice count
• Connections with fellow Angelenos committed to justice and community investment

Join us to be in a room full of people who care about the same things you do: safety, equity, opportunity, and a just Los Angeles that works for everyone.

Whether you’re deeply familiar with county budgeting or just learning about it for the first time, your voice is essential for building power! Community Conversations is UPI’s ongoing series for people who want more than headlines. Together we’ll create real dialogue, real connections, and real tools to push for change in Los Angeles.

Come for the conversation, stay for the community.

We hope to see you there!

Light refreshments provided.