Our Mission

To activate and mobilize historically disinvested communities in Los Angeles to transform their streets into safe, accessible and vibrant environments for people who walk.

For us, a walkable LA is a just LA.

Our Theory of Change

Through grassroots organizing and knowledge sharing, communities are enabled to recognize their collective power and provided with the resources and tools necessary to transform their streets.

By organizing in communities that have historically been disinvested in, Los Angeles Walk serves as a platform to ensure community input is included in the city’s planning process and that communities are able to win seats at the decision-making table. That way, communities shape policy and public narratives that ensure equitable access to the safe streets that every Angeleno deserves. Our strategies for effecting change include:

BUILD POWER through organizing and mobilizing a broad constituency for safe, accessible walking conditions across Los Angeles, particularly in historically disinvested neighborhoods.

SHIFT CULTURE by amplifying the voices of communities most impacted by traffic collisions and dangerous street design, and by collaborating with community members to reclaim public space for people.

CREATE CHANGE by exercising collective power to advocate for immediate safe street changes as well as securing citizen committee appointments and elected positions to directly shape policies and public narratives.

DEVELOP Los Angeles Walks into a representative, strong, stable organization that brings a diversity of stakeholders into our leadership team, staff and board.

Our History

In 1998, urban designer Deborah Murphy founded Los Angeles Walks along with friends who were focused on fostering a more livable city. Over the years, thanks to a large and dedicated group of volunteers, Los Angeles Walks has consistently worked to raise awareness about pedestrian issues and bring attention to the role of walking in the City of Los Angeles. In the fall of 2011, under the fiscal umbrella of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, Los Angeles Walks began a sustained, grassroots efforts at an increased level to support walking in L.A. In 2013, Los Angeles Walks was granted fiscal sponsorship by Community Partners, joining 150 local projects moving the region forward. In 2015, we hired our first full time staff member, Emilia Crotty, and have grown to a staff of three. In 2019 we hired John Yi as our Executive Director and have since added two additional safe street promotoras to our team.

Our Graphics

Artist Colleen Corcoran designed all our wonderful logos and headers. Check out her work at www.placeandpage.la.

Be part of the Los Angeles Walks Family!

Finally, our work isn't possible without the support of our community and allies. Help us create a more walkable and considering being a monthly donor of Los Angeles Walks!