Building Buy-in Case Study:
Los Angeles, CA
How Los Angeles, CA Voters Supported a Dedicated Funding Source for Stormwater Projects
| Region | West Coast | Principle | Advance Effective Regulation |
| City | Los Angeles, CA | Best Practice | Activate coalitions to build a supportive regulatory environment |
| Population | 3.8 million | ||
| Partners | LA Waterkeeper, Heal the Bay, and the Nature Conservancy |
Project Description
From 2012 to 2016, Southern California faced severe drought conditions, prompting residents to adopt significant water conservation measures. Los Angeles County has long grappled with water pollution and supply challenges, but efforts to improve water quality often stalled. After an earlier unsuccessful attempt to place this issue on the ballot, the local community organization LA Waterkeeper took action by filing numerous lawsuits against major polluters for violating stormwater compliance regulations. This issue eventually reached the United States Supreme Court, capturing the attention of City and County officials. As a result, advisory groups were established to advocate for the passage of Measure W—a ballot initiative that imposed a parcel tax on non-permeable surfaces. Measure W passed overwhelmingly, receiving 70% of the vote and generating $300 million annually to fund the Safe Clean Water Program.
Residents walking along East LA Median Project, one of the green infrastructure projects funded by Measure W.
Best Practices in Action
Los Angeles County had a coalition of motivated groups eager to effect change. After confronting the reality of limited water resources, residents and government officials came together to secure their future water supply. In 2016, they established various coalitions and advisory boards. The County’s formal advisory board was sizable, comprising representatives from diverse sectors, including the business community, various cities (both Los Angeles and smaller municipalities), the regulatory regional board overseeing MS4 permits, environmental justice organizations, and agencies involved in stormwater, water supply and groundwater management.
Shortly after the formation of the County’s advisory board, Our Water LA was established. This group included members from peer and environmental organizations such as LA Waterkeeper, Heal the Bay and The Nature Conservancy. They secured funding from a philanthropic organization, allowing them to hire staff and fundraise strategically, empowering them to advance the ballot measure. Additionally, newly elected officials with experience in the water sector served as champions, helping to organize and move legislation forward.
Measure W’s Steps to Success:
1. The County was held accountable with legislation spearheaded by a local nonprofit (LA Waterkeeper).
2. The residents, fearing an extended drought, listed water management as a top election priority in polling.
3. The County organized an advisory board comprised of officials from across many critical sectors to address water management.
4. The community’s peer organizations formed a coalition to work alongside the County’s advisory board.
5. Elected officials worked alongside both coalition and advisory boards to champion the measure through to success.
Key Learnings
Coalitions drive comprehensive representation
Strategic partnerships
Tailored approaches boost community buy-in
Other Recommendations
- Co-create a strategic vision that integrates audience interests.
- Activate community and public relations.
- Build diverse coalitions that help broaden your reach.