UEPI Programs: Centers & Projects

The Urban & Environmental Policy Institute operates as an umbrella for a number of centers and projects. In response to political changes, community interests, program innovations and research developments, our projects are continually changing, evolving and re-inventing themselves. Below is a list of UEPI Centers and Projects.

The Center for Food & Justice (CFJ) works to promote a sustainable and socially just food system. CFJ's objectives are to improve access to fresh and healthy foods in all communities, particularly those where access is most limited, and to facilitate environmental, health promotion, community development, social justice, and land use strategies that empower local communities and strengthen the capacity of small regional farmers. Key programs have included: Project CAFE (Community Action on Food Environments), the Farm to School Program, Los Angeles Fresh Food Access Program, LAUSD Fresh From the Farm (CSA in the Classroom), Project GROW, Healthy After-School Snack Program and the Farm to Hospital Program. CFJ has also helped sponsor or facilitate a number of collaborations, including the Healthy School Food Coalition the Los Angeles Food Justice Network, and the California Food and Justice Coalition.

The Pollution Prevention Center (PPC) undertakes research and provides education and technical assistance to reduce or eliminate the use of toxic substances, improve human and environmental health, and conserve resources. PPC has broad experience in pollution prevention research and policy work in a variety of industry sectors, including the garment care industry, janitorial cleaning products, pulp and paper, electronics and food. Among other accomplishments, PPC has become one of the leading experts on pollution prevention issues in the garment care industry. Key programs include: the Garment Care Research and Education Program.

The Migration Policy and Resource Center (MPRC) combines the need for research, educational programs, and policy analysis and development in collaboration with community-based organizations in the area of immigration reform and immigrant rights. MPRC works closely with immigrant rights activists who have identified a pressing need for research and policy development but whose resources have been stretched. Key programs include: Social Change Across Borders, Community-Based Policy Development Initiatives, and the Immigrants and the Environment Project.

Progressive Los Angeles Network (PLAN) was launched with a memorable October 1998 Conference on the past, present, and future of Progressive LA. Following the conference, PLAN brought together a broad cross section of progressive community organizers, advocates, researchers, and policy practitioners to forge a community-based public policy agenda and action plan for the Los Angeles region. A UEPI book by participants in PLAN, The Next Los Angeles: The Struggle for a Livable City, drew on the PLAN agenda. Current PLAN activities include participating in the development of the document "Planning for a Livable City."

Sustainable Oxy seeks to make the Occidental campus more livable and environmentally friendly through the Environmental Stewards program, the Council for a Livable Campus and Research and Action Projects.

North East Los Angeles. Situated in Northeast Los Angeles and near the Arroyo Seco corridor between Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles,UEPI has developed multiple partnerships and collaborations that seek to address transportation issues, empower neighborhood groups, develop affordable housing, create open and recreational spaces and help facilitate community economic development. Two major NE LA projects have been ArroyoFest and the Community Outreach Partnership Center.

Urban Nature UEPI research and action projects address land use in relation to key issues including public space, community health and the environment. Key programs include, the Landscapes Project, which involves research related to the establishment of native California plants in areas of LA that are facing the triple threats of drought, fire, and competition from invasive species and the Re-Envision the LA River Program, which seeks to help transform the discourse around the River and the urban environment of Los Angeles and to encourage actions for community and ecological revitalization.