Mapping resident priorities for greener, healthier communities
Helping South and West Los Angeles communities guide $48 million in state funding toward greener, healthier, and more climate-ready neighborhoods.
USC Launched 2025
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Partners
The Conservancy wanted residents to have a stronger voice in decisions about public funding. Together, we’re creating a new approach that connects community priorities with environmental data—and turns both into action.
The Baldwin Hills and Urban Watersheds Conservancy partnered with Public Exchange to put community knowledge at the center of its planning and grantmaking. Rising Communities led outreach with residents and community organizations, helping shape the Conservancy’s vision and bringing the mapping tool into communities. Esri brought the technical expertise to develop the interactive tool, making it easier for residents to explore local conditions, propose projects, and advocate for investment.
Dr. LaVonna Blair Lewis of the USC Price School of Public Policy and community planning expert Dion Jackson are evaluating the model to document what makes it effective and how it can be strengthened. Their findings will help other conservancies and public agencies adopt and improve the approach—giving historically underserved communities a greater voice in how public dollars are invested.
Meet the project team
Max Teirstein
Project Manager
Research team
LaVonna Blair Lewis
Engagement Analysis Lead
Professor, Vice Dean for Student Success
USC Price School of Public Policy
Dion Jackson
Resilience Analysis Lead
Urban Planning and Economic Development Consultant
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