LA County Administrative Error Jeopardizes Measure J
In 2020, more than 2.1 million Los Angeles County voters—57% of the electorate—stood with community organizers to pass Measure J, a historical, community-led initiative that mandated 10% of locally generated unrestricted County funds be allocated to community investments and alternatives to incarceration. Now, that victory is at risk.
The groundbreaking measure establishes a formidable funding source that will help build a more robust network of community care systems throughout the County, including funding for social services such as housing and mental health treatment among others.
However, Los Angeles County has now acknowledged that it failed to update the Charter, and as a result, when voters passed Measure G, they repealed Measure J. This clerical oversight will have a substantial effect on the essential funding for critical resources within our communities and the future of Youth Justice in Los Angeles County.
“Measure J was a hard-won victory led by community organizers and the people of L.A. who demanded an investment in community care over punishment. This error is unacceptable and has far reaching consequences—we stand with our community partners in calling for swift action to reinstate this landmark policy and ensure the voice of the people is heard,” shared Lisa Small, Senior Director of Youth & Transformative Justice at Liberty Hill.
As the path forward to rectify this error becomes clear, we will continue to share the avenues with you and your institutions to stay engaged. We know, whatever the path forward, reinstating Measure J will take significant time and resources that are essential to maintaining this essential policy.
