Strengthening Coalitions in California

Time and time again, we see that the most successful campaigns and social change initiatives–in the U.S. and around the world– are ones with directly impacted people and communities at the center. This is why CZI seeks to support community-driven initiatives that use grassroots organizing to make bold changes across housing, criminal justice reform, immigration, and other issue areas. We partner with groups that help elevate a broad range of voices, ensuring that communities play a leading role in driving policy change–including in our home state of California.

California Spotlight:

Schools and Communities First (SCF): SCF is a unique grassroots coalition of community, faith, education, housing, business, and labor leaders who have joined together to help create a more equitable future for all Californians. CZI supports their work around the California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act, a measure that would restore an estimated $11 billion annually for local services like education, housing, healthcare, and public safety in our neighborhoods.

Housing California: Housing California focuses on building a grassroots constituency of those most affected by the housing crisis. Based in Sacramento, the group serves as a critical voice for children, seniors, families, people experiencing homelessness, and everyone who needs a stable, affordable place to call home. CZI sees tremendous value in their work to champion community voices in policy change efforts.

3 Ps Housing Plan: This is an effort led by a coalition of community-oriented groups to help Produce, Preserve, and Protect housing in California. The 3 Ps coalition is championing a legislative package that focuses on areas like tenant protections, new affordable and mixed-income housing production, and preservation of existing housing. CZI is a supporter of the 3 Ps plan, and serves as a strategic advisor to the work.

The Fund for An Inclusive California: The Fund for An Inclusive California is a collaborative funding initiative seeking to advance racial and economic equity and community well-being. CZI supports their efforts to build power in low-income communities and communities of color, and to advance community-driven solutions to displacement and gentrification at the local, regional, and statewide levels.

We look forward to continuing to support leaders, organizations, and local communities as they work to build a brighter future, together.