WHO WE AREwe are a coalition of advocates, community organizations and neighbors
We are here to fight for investments in community services and alternatives to incarceration.
Our journeyFrom protest to policy change
A movement rooted in resistance and built through coalition
Re-Imagine L.A. builds on decades of organizing by Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, Reform L.A. Jails, and other community advocates who fought to stop jail expansion. After defeating a proposed jail plan, the coalition came together to advance a new vision centered on care, not cages.
01A National reckoning
Summer 2020 changed everything.
The murder of George Floyd sparked nationwide protests and a global call to confront systemic racism, galvanizing communities in L.A. County to demand deep structural change.
02Re-Imagine LA forms
Organizing for a new vision.
In the summer of 2020, Re-Imagine L.A. Coalition came together and successfully pushed the County to place Measure J on the ballot—creating a pathway to invest in services and shift funding away from carceral systems.
03A Historic Win
Voters choose Care First.
With more than 2.1 million “yes” votes, Measure J passed—permanently changing the County charter to require investments in community-based care and alternatives to incarceration..
04The work continues
Building year after year.
Each year, we continue organizing, advocating, and holding the County accountable to ensure deeper investments in care and a sustained shift away from systems of harm.
TimelineHow we got here
A movement built through organizing, advocacy, and collective action.
From grassroots organizing to a historic ballot victory to championing community investments, we are led by community members demanding a shift away from incarceration and toward care.
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Measure J wins
More than 2.1 million voters said yes to Measure J, codifying into law investments in Care First services.
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Defending Measure J
We fought back against legal attacks on Measure J and protected voter-approved investments in communities.
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Care First takes shape
We helped advance the Care First Community Investment framework to guide Measure J implementation. We released our first Care First Budget report.
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Creating JCOD and investing in communities
Our advocacy helped establish the Justice, Care & Opportunities Department to advance care-first solutions. We helped secure funding for community services.
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Measure J upheld
A unanimous court ruling affirmed Measure J and protected community investments.
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Participatory budgeting launches
Community members gained a direct voice in deciding how public dollars are invested.
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Advancing budget accountability
Annual Care First Budget Reports continued to drive transparency and public oversight.
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Winning greater transparency
We secured stronger reporting and accountability measures for Care First investments.
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Improving the budget process
The Cluster Process expanded community engagement and cross-department collaboration.
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Protecting public defense
Community advocacy helped restore critical funding to the Public Defender's Office.
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Recognized for community leadership
We received recognition for advancing participatory budgeting and youth justice advocacy.
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The Cost of Harm Report
In collaboration with Million Dollar Hoods, we supported the release of data highlighting the human and financial costs of incarceration.
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Protecting Measure J's legacy
We organized to defend care-first investments during Measure G implementation.
OUR VALUES & HOW WE WORKGrounded in community, driven by change
Our work is guided by principles that center people, build collective power, and push for real impact.
People-centeredWe center impacted communities in every decision we make.
Those closest to the harm lead the solutions and shape our priorities.
Coalition-poweredWe build collective strength through partnership and shared leadership.
Our coalition brings together organizations to move further, together.
Impact-focusedWe push for measurable change that shifts systems and resources.
Our work is rooted in outcomes that improve lives and communities.
Grace alwaysWe lead with compassion and care for each other.
We believe how we do the work matters just as much as what we achieve.
What nextour vision
Continuing the fight for Care First
We are building toward a future where public investments reflect what communities actually need to thrive—housing, healthcare, education, and opportunity.
A future rooted in care.
We envision systems that prioritize prevention, healing, and stability over punishment and incarceration.
Holding power accountable
We will continue organizing, advocating, and mobilizing to ensure the County follows through on its commitments and invests in real safety.
Steering committeeCoalition Partners
Re-Imagine L.A. Coalition includes dozens of organizations across Los Angeles, guided by a steering committee that shapes strategy and drives the work forward.
Sign upget involved
We didn’t come this far to only come this far
Measure J was successful because of the outpouring of support from advocates, community members, and the public who believed deeply that we address racial injustice by investing in health, housing, and jobs.