FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LOS ANGELES – Sustainability leaders from Neighborhood Councils across the City of Los Angeles have formed the Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance (NCSA), which will advance citywide sustainability and resilience through advocacy, sharing of best practices, and collaboration by L.A.’s Neighborhood Councils and partner organizations.

The NCSA invites all Los Angeles Neighborhood Council stakeholders to join the Alliance at its inaugural event, on Saturday, February 21. “We look forward to hosting a forum for discussion with Neighborhood Councils, the Mayor’s Sustainability Office, TreePeople, and other organizations that are working hard to build a future for Los Angeles that is environmentally, socially, and economically prosperous, from Bel Air to Boyle Heights,” said NCSA Chair Laura Mack.  

During 2015, the NCSA plans to hold additional public forums and events, and collaborate with Neighborhood Councils, City agencies, and environmental and other community organizations, to support effective engagement on L.A.’s new Sustainable City Plan, drought response strategies, the region’s Climate Action Framework, and other timely sustainability initiatives.

"Creating a sustainable city is a job for all of us, so I want to congratulate this group of committed Angelenos for coming together and creating this important forum for work at the neighborhood level," said Matt Petersen, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Los Angeles. "We look forward to working together on important initiatives for years to come."

A 2014 survey of Neighborhood Council “green committee” stakeholders identified a strong need for a sustainability-focused alliance; respondents overwhelmingly cited a desire for improved access to resources, capacity-building support, and collaboration on local sustainability issues.

“Numerous Neighborhood Councils have led transformational community sustainability efforts -- from outreach on water-wise gardening practices, to advocacy for local clean energy jobs and fracking moratoriums, to beautification and pollution clean-up projects,” said Mack. “Until now, though, many have worked without the benefit of a peer network. The NCSA is excited to fill this need, by showcasing best practices in sustainability, connecting Neighborhood Council sustainability advocates and partners, and amplifying our collective impact.”

Additional information about the NCSA, including the February 21 forum, can be found at the NCSA website: http://ncsa.nationbuilder.com.

CONTACT:

Matt Sanderson

424-335-1850

[email protected]