Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy

The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic, environmental, and racial justice. Founded in 1993, LAANE is recognized as a national leader in addressing issues of working poverty, inadequate healthcare, and community pollution.

Mission and Vision

LAANE focuses on building an economy that works for everyone by promoting good jobs, thriving communities, and a healthy environment. The organization achieves its goals through community organizing, coalition building with labor groups, research, policy work, and strategic advocacy.

Key Achievements

Over the years, LAANE has been instrumental in several landmark initiatives in Los Angeles. Notably, it led the city's groundbreaking living wage campaign and played a pivotal role in the defeat of Wal-Mart's ballot initiative in Inglewood. Additionally, LAANE was key in the passage of the Clean Trucks Program for the region's ports, significantly improving air quality and enhancing the livelihoods of thousands of truck drivers. It has also been instrumental in establishing the nation's first Construction Careers and Green Jobs Policy, ensuring access to middle-class jobs for construction workers and providing career paths for at-risk populations.

Partnerships and Collaborations

LAANE is a co-founder of the Partnership for Working Families, a national alliance working towards good jobs and healthy communities in nearly 20 major metropolitan areas. It collaborates with various labor unions and community organizations to advocate for improvements in working conditions and wages across sectors such as retail, hospitality, and construction.

Current Focus

Currently, LAANE is involved in addressing climate change through partnerships with environmental and social justice allies. It seeks to achieve a renewable energy future centered on equity and job creation in frontline communities. Additionally, LAANE supports workers' rights initiatives, including efforts to combat unsafe working conditions and promote fair scheduling practices in industries like Amazon and grocery retail.

Leadership and Structure

The organization is led by Executive Director Roxana Tynan. LAANE's board of directors includes prominent figures from labor unions, academic institutions, and community advocacy groups, reflecting its commitment to bridging community and labor power in policy advocacy.

Financial Support

LAANE operates as a nonprofit, relying on donations and earned income. The organization provides financial compensation to interns through programs like The Beth & Julia Meltzer Internship Program, supporting young people in fields such as communications and research while they continue their education.