LEAP LA was formed through decades of collective work on environmental health and justice issues in LA.
LEAP LA was inspired by Naomi Klein’ book, “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate”, which calls for bold, systemic change that centers Indigenous rights, ends fossil fuel dependence, and empowers grassroots movements to lead the way.
2015
The Leap (Canada) was founded by Naomi Klein as a cross-border organization.
In the Spring of 2015, a two-day gathering in Toronto brought together leaders from Indigenous rights, social and food justice, environmental, faith-based, and labor movements across Canada to develop the demands of what came to be Canada’s Leap Manifesto
2017
The Leap and Naomi Klein joined forces in Los Angeles to kick off a Climate Mobilization for the City, partnering with Councilmember Paul Koretz and local grassroots groups. They hosted a two-day gathering with Indigenous leaders, environmental justice advocates, labor, and faith organizations to shape a shared vision for climate justice in Los Angeles.
Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles and Communities for a Better Environment invite Esperanza Community Housing and Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE) to form the LEAP LA Coalition.
2018
The Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles County scorched nearly 97,000 acres, destroyed over 1,600 structures, claimed three lives, and forced the evacuation of more than 295,000 people.
LEAP LA launched a campaign at SCOPE in South LA, to create a Climate Emergency Mobilization Department, ensuring that frontline communities, equity, and justice are at the heart of Los Angeles’ climate response.
The Department was designed to work alongside a Commission and the Climate Equity LA Series — forming a three-pillar approach of community oversight and deep community engagement for co-developing climate policy in Los Angeles.
Councilmember Paul Koretz introduces the motion to establish the Department at the Los Angeles City Council.
2019
Pacoima Beautiful, an environmental justice organization from the San Fernando Valley, joins LEAP LA.
In Summer of 2019, the Los Angeles City Council passed the ordinance to establish the first Climate Emergency Mobilization Office, Commission, and LA Equity Series in the nation.
2020
In response to the City’s Green New Deal Plan which aims to decarbonize buildings by 2035, LEAP LA partnered with Repower LA to develop a plan that centers equity in all City decarbonization policies.
Equitable Decarbonization becomes the first policy priority of LEAP LA.
LEAP LA, RePower, and SAJE co-develop the first equitable building decarbonization for new buildings motion in coordination with LA City leaders.
2021
The Climate Emergency Mobilization Office and Commission is officially established under the Department of Public Works in the City of Los Angeles.
2022
Los Angeles City passes ordinances to equitably decarbonize all new buildings by 2030.
First Climate Equity LA series is launched focused on equitable building decarbonization policy.
Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples joins LEAP LA.
2023
The Prioritizing Local Action for Climate Equity (PLACE) Project, a collaborative study with USC and Occidental College, launches to examine the impacts of extreme heat on frontline communities.
LEAP LA along with environmental justice, housing and labor partners publish a “Climate Priorities” letter to Mayor Karen Bass as she begins her first term in office.
The Climate Equity LA series launched their second series focused on extreme heat.
LEAP LA, Repower, and SAJE formalize into the new Los Angeles for Resilient and Healthy Homes (LARHH) Coalition.
2024
LEAP LA set a new vision for the coalition’s future, redefining its identity and establishing long-term goals to guide its work.
2025
LEAP LA begins the early stages of developing a campaign to advance utility affordability and the Rights of Nature to ensure environmental justice and economic dignity for frontline communities.
The Pacific Palisades and Eaton wildfires devastated Los Angeles County, marking the most severe climate disaster in the region to date.
