To achieve Inclusive Action’s vision for stronger communities and inclusive economies, we advocate for policies that build the power of historically excluded communities and expand economic opportunities so our communities can thrive.
In 2026, we’re focusing on advocacy efforts for the following state and local policies that support our goals:
State Agenda
Supporting Landscapers in their Transition to Electric Equipment
AB 2635 – The Just Transition for Landscapers Act would ensure a fair statewide transition to zero-emission landscaping equipment by strengthening rebate programs, expanding access for immigrant and low-income landscapers, and preventing debt traps caused by local enforcement. The bill requires all air districts to offer electric equipment rebates, allows alternative documentation in place of a business license, and temporarily prohibits local fines on gas equipment to give workers a fair chance to transition to clean energy equipment.
Author: Asm. Celeste Rodriguez; Co-sponsors: National Day Laborer Organizing Network, California Immigrant Policy Center
Reinvesting in the SEED Initiative to Empower Immigrant Entrepreneurs
The Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development (SEED) Initiative budget request seeks $45 million over the next two years to provide critical funding to community-based organizations that support immigrant entrepreneurs. This funding would provide microgrants, entrepreneurial training, and technical assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) and immigrant social entrepreneurs, helping them start and sustain small businesses. Continued investments in SEED will expand economic opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs, strengthen our local economies, and ensure that small businesses have the opportunity to thrive.
Authors: Asm. Juan Carrillo & Sen. Josh Becker; Co-sponsors: California Immigrant Policy Center, Immigrants Rising, Democracy at Work Institute, Economic Mobility 4 All Coalition
Renewing Funding for the California Investment and Innovation Program
The California Investment and Innovation Program (Cal IIP) budget request seeks a one-time $50 million appropriation to renew the program, which strengthens the capacity of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to finance and support low-income and disadvantaged communities across California’s rural, urban, and Native communities. This investment will expand access to responsible capital for small businesses, affordable housing, and community development projects that traditional financial institutions often overlook.
Authors: Asm. Mark Gonzalez & Sen. Tim Grayson; Co-sponsors: California Coalition for Community Investments
County Agenda
LA County: Guaranteed Basic Income for Older Adults
Immigrants have long been foundational to our social, cultural and economic life, yet many aging immigrants face retirement with no financial safety net because they are ineligible for social security or other public benefits. With the Los Angeles County population aged 60+ projected to grow from 2 million to nearly 3 million – 28% of the population – by 2030, the County must reaffirm its commitment to ensuring all residents can age with dignity. We call for a two-year, $8.3 million Countywide Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program providing $1,200 per month for 24 months to adults aged 65+ who are ineligible for federal or state cash assistance and have been affected by or are at risk of immigration enforcement.
In collaboration with: Immigrants are Los Angeles
LA County: Housing Justice for Immigrant Families
Immigrant households are disproportionately facing housing insecurity and struggling with increasing housing costs. More than half of immigrant renters (60%) are rent-burdened in LA County, meaning they spend 30% or more of their total income on housing. Undocumented immigrants face even greater challenges, as many are excluded from existing housing subsidy programs due to their immigration status. Without protections, families remain vulnerable to displacement, eviction and homelessness. We call on the County to: 1) increase the rent debt threshold to protect residents from being evicted, as our communities continue to struggle financially due to increased immigration enforcement, 2) implement a permanent rental assistance program open to all residents regardless of immigration status, and 3) ensure that all existing housing programs in LA County are inclusive and accessible to immigrant communities.
In collaboration with: Immigrants are Los Angeles
LA County: Protecting Small Businesses from Displacement
Small businesses, particularly BIPOC-owned establishments, face harassment, rising costs, and displacement pressures that threaten our local economies. We call on Los Angeles County to adopt policies to ensure that small businesses facing harassment and displacement receive assistance to help offset the challenges of maintaining a small business. This includes strengthening the current LA County Anti-Harassment Ordinance and implementing stronger infrastructure for small business interruptions.
In collaboration with: Small Business Alliance for Equitable Communities
LA County/LA City: Vacant Property and Commercial Rent Registry
Vacant commercial properties contribute to economic stagnation, reduce neighborhood vibrancy, and can indirectly displace small businesses by constraining available affordable space. We call on the City and County of Los Angeles to create a registry of commercial vacant properties to help us better understand the economic impacts of vacant properties and how to incentivize property owners to rent or sell their space more quickly to reinvest in small business support programs.
In collaboration with: Small Business Alliance for Equitable Communities
City Agenda
LA City: Commercial Anti-Harassment Protections
Small businesses, particularly BIPOC-owned establishments, are subjected to harassment from commercial landlords, which leads to displacement, businesses closing – weakening our economy. We call on the City to adopt a Commercial Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance that prohibits harassment and provides small businesses with basic rights and protections.
In collaboration with: Small Business Alliance for Equitable Communities
LA City: Streamlining Permits Through Self Certification
We call on the City to establish a permanent self-certification program for low-risk, small-scale outdoor dining projects to streamline approvals while maintaining accountability through audits and inspections. Cities such as New York City, San Diego, and Bellflower have successfully implemented similar programs. By reducing permitting bottlenecks, lowering costs, and maintaining strong oversight, Los Angeles can promote small business growth, enhance public space, and modernize its permitting process.
In collaboration with: Restaurant Equity Alliance
LA City: Expanding the Legacy Business Program
Los Angeles’ restaurant industry is central to the city’s economy, culture and global reputation, but small restaurants and their employees face growing financial instability due to rising costs, gentrification, and ongoing labor violations. To protect culturally significant, independently owned establishments – especially ahead of major global events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics – we call on the City to: 1. expand the eligibility for the Legacy Business program to include restaurants operating for at least 10 years that demonstrate compliance with labor standards, and 2. develop a Citywide Restaurant Protection Ordinance to provide education, expedited processing, and partnerships with community organizations to strengthen and sustain small, immigrant owned businesses across LA.
In collaboration with: Restaurant Equity Alliance
LA City: Advancing the Creation of a Public Bank
We call on the City of Los Angeles to establish a Public Bank, which will help keep our City’s funds invested locally. It will boost economic growth, support small businesses, fund infrastructure projects, like housing, and empower our workforce while reducing the City’s reliance on Wall Street. The Los Angeles Public Bank is requesting funding needed to complete Phase 1 of the City’s Public Bank Feasibility Study, laying the foundation for a comprehensive business plan focused on financing public priorities and strengthening local economic resilience.
In collaboration with: Public Bank LA Coalition