Los Angeles, CA — The Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) is thrilled to announce that the South LA All In “Good Jobs, Healthy Communities” (SLAAI-GJHC) project has been awarded $20 million in federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Community Change Grant Program. This significant investment is made possible thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, will enhance environmental justice, reduce pollution, and create green job training opportunities in the historically underserved communities of South Los Angeles.

The SLAAI-GJHC project, led by CRCD in partnership with Los Angeles Trade Technical-College (LATTC), Community Coalition, City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD), Amity Foundation and the City of Huntington Park, focuses on addressing critical issues such as lead contamination in housing and the need for climate-resilient jobs. This comprehensive initiative will train residents in lead abatement, welding, electric vehicle maintenance, and weatherization, providing pathways to well-paying, sustainable careers.

Project Highlights:

• Lead Abatement Program: Training for 100 individuals to perform lead abatement and improve indoor air quality by removing hazardous lead from homes.
• Weatherization and Energy Auditor Training: Training cohorts to conduct energy audits, increase energy efficiency, and implement weatherization improvements.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Maintenance and Repair Training: Upskilling automotive technicians to service hybrid and electric vehicles, supporting the adoption of cleaner vehicles.
• Welding for Green Infrastructure Projects: Training individuals for welding positions needed for green construction projects, such as expanding rail lines and electrifying public buildings.
• Community Impact: This initiative will significantly reduce the pollution burden in South LA, improve public health, and provide economic opportunities for disadvantaged populations.

“As a community-based, coalition-driven organization, CRCD is committed to being a catalyst for positive change in South Los Angeles. This substantial federal funding from the EPA allows us and our partners to implement impactful initiatives that address environmental justice and economic empowerment,” said Mark Wilson, president and CEO of CRCD. “Together, we are ensuring that South LA not only benefits from these resources but also thrives through sustainable and inclusive development. Being awarded this EPA grant is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering dedication to uplift our community.”

“The Environmental Protection Agency’s award to the South LA All In ‘Good Jobs, Healthy Communities’ project demonstrates our continued commitment to addressing long-standing environmental and climate justice challenges and investing in the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “This critical investment will help LA address climate change while providing pathways to well-paying, sustainable careers.”

“LATTC is honored to receive this grant with our partner, CRCD,” said Dr. Alfred McQuarters, LATTC President. “This grant underscores our commitment to environmental and climate justice with funding that will empower us to deepen our engagement with the community, advance innovative solutions to pressing environmental needs, and cultivate a new generation of leaders dedicated to creating a more sustainable and equitable future. We extend our gratitude to the Biden-Harris Administration and their support to our communities.”

“This grant will not only equip our students with essential skills in emerging green industries but also directly improve the health and resilience of our communities in this region,” said Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez. “This critical investment is a testament to the power of inclusive and community-driven initiatives, and we are proud to be a part of this transformative effort. We remain grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental protection and climate justice through these unprecedented Community Change Grants.”

“We are incredibly honored to receive this historic EPA grant as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental and climate justice,” said Alberto Retana, president of Community Coalition. “This funding will empower us to continue our mission of galvanizing communities in South Los Angeles, addressing longstanding environmental injustices, and building a sustainable and equitable future for all. Through this grant, we will reduce pollution, increase climate resilience, and provide critical workforce development opportunities, ensuring that our community members are equipped to lead in the green economy. We are proud to be part of this transformative effort and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our neighborhoods.”

“EWDD is thrilled to lock arms with CRCD to further promote access to good jobs while simultaneously addressing detrimental environmental issues that have historically impacted this community.” Carolyn Hull, General Manager of EWDD.

“As an organization focused on the safety, healing, and longevity of historically underserved communities in South Los Angeles, we are excited to put this EPA grant to work providing good jobs to those who — as currently and formerly incarcerated individuals — would otherwise struggle to find employment,” said Doug Bond, CEO of Amity Foundation.“Good jobs are a critical component of any person’s journey to recovery, re-entry, and habilitation. Amity Foundation is grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for its continued investments in the communities we serve, and we look forward to working with our partners at CRCD, LATTC, Community Coalition, the City of Huntington Park, and the City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department to make sure our underserved neighbors are not just reaping the clean air and climate benefits of this grant — but are part of the workforce that gets to build the California of the future.”

The grant also strongly emphasizes community engagement, with partners such as the CRCD, Los Angeles Trade Technical-College, Community Coalition, Amity Foundation, the City of Huntington Park and the City of Compton playing key roles in outreach and support for justice-involved individuals. The collaboration with local municipalities and educational institutions underscores the project’s commitment to holistic and inclusive community development. We are excited to get this project started to begin the transition to healthier and economically thriving communities in South Los Angeles.