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California Allocates Over $2.5 Billion for Los Angeles Firestorm Recovery Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On January 23, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside community, city, county, and legislative leaders, signed special session legislation to provide more than $2.5 billion in disaster relief funding for Los Angeles. This initiative aims to enhance ongoing emergency response efforts and accelerate recovery and rebuilding in fire-affected communities such as Altadena.

Legislative Measures and Funding Overview

The legislation, including ABx1-4 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and SBx1-3 by Senator Scott Wiener, focuses on expediting firestorm response, streamlining rebuilding processes, and reconstructing fire-damaged school facilities. This funding supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Statements from Leadership

“Thanks to our partners in the legislature, we’re providing over $2.5 billion in immediate relief – expediting initial firestorm response and recovery efforts. We’re also directing millions of dollars to help local governments speed up building approvals – so folks can rebuild their homes faster. Unlike MAGA Republicans in Washington who talk about delaying relief for political purposes, California is supporting our people with no strings attached. Together, we’ll rebuild Los Angeles.”
— Governor Gavin Newsom

“California leaders from both political parties are united and working together to provide L.A. with the immediate assistance and support they need. Today, we approved billions of dollars to help clean-up devastated neighborhoods, rebuild schools and put communities on a path to recovery. I thank the Governor, Pro Tem and my colleagues for moving with urgency. This is a first step, but we are committed to a full recovery and will stand with Angelenos until this work is done.”
— Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas

“This $2.5 billion is a clear commitment that we’ve got your back LA. We’ve got your back now and we’ve got your back in the months and years to come. Your rebuild and your comeback is our priority. We’re grateful to Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas and our legislative colleagues who moved with urgency to get this funding across the finish line. This downpayment is just the beginning.”
— Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire

Funding Allocation and Recovery Efforts

• $2.5 billion to expedite initial firestorm response and recovery efforts, including:
  • Emergency protective measures
  • Evacuations and sheltering for survivors
  • Debris removal and cleanup
  • Post-fire hazard assessments (flash flooding, debris flows)
  • Traffic control and other emergency response activities
• $4 million allocated to expedite rebuilding by providing additional planning review and building inspection resources to impacted local governments.
• $1 million dedicated to rebuilding fire-damaged school facilities through technical assistance to local educational agencies such as Los Angeles Unified School District and Pasadena Unified School District.

Executive Orders Supporting Recovery and Survivor Protection

Governor Newsom has issued several executive orders to facilitate recovery, provide temporary housing, and protect survivors, aligning with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):

1. Tax Relief: Postponement of individual tax filing deadlines to October 15, 2025, and extension of sales and use tax filing deadlines to April 30, 2025, for Los Angeles County taxpayers, providing critical relief for individuals and businesses.
2. Streamlined Rebuilding: Suspension of permitting and review requirements under CEQA and the California Coastal Act to accelerate rebuilding of homes and businesses.
3. Temporary Housing and Tenant Protection: Measures to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow temporary trailers, suspend mobile home park fees, prohibit evictions for hosting fire survivors, and provide mortgage relief through cooperation with major lenders.
4. Debris Removal and Hazard Mitigation: Fast-tracked debris removal, flood defense strengthening, hillside stabilization, and authorization for federal hazmat crews to assist in cleanup.
5. Price Gouging Protection: Expanded restrictions on illegal price increases for rent, lodging, building materials, and construction services, with enforcement support from the Attorney General’s office.
6. Education Support: Assistance for displaced students and support for schools affected by the firestorms to ensure continuity of education.
7. Protection from Predatory Practices: Measures to shield firestorm victims from aggressive real estate speculators.

Access to Assistance and Resources

Residents and business owners affected by the Los Angeles wildfires can access disaster assistance and resources through multiple channels, supporting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):

• Online application at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Phone assistance via 800-621-3362
• FEMA smartphone application available on app stores
• Support available in over 40 languages
• Relay services support for individuals using video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone, or other communication aids

Additional information and resources are centralized at CA.gov/LAfires.

Conclusion

The comprehensive funding and executive actions taken by California’s leadership demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable recovery and resilience in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts prioritize community safety, equitable support, environmental protection, and educational continuity to rebuild Los Angeles stronger and more sustainably.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Providing tax relief and mortgage relief to fire-affected individuals and businesses to alleviate financial burdens.
   • Protecting survivors from exploitation and price gouging.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Emergency protective measures, sheltering for survivors, and health hazard assessments post-fire.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Rebuilding fire-damaged school facilities and assisting displaced students to return to classrooms.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Expediting rebuilding efforts and streamlining building approvals.
   • Supporting infrastructure recovery and hazard mitigation (e.g., debris removal, flood defenses).
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Recovery and rebuilding of fire-damaged communities.
   • Temporary housing solutions and protection of tenants and homeowners.
   • Mitigation of risks such as mudslides and flooding.
6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Protection of survivors from predatory real estate speculators and illegal price gouging.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.5: Build resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.
   • Target 11.b: Increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 1 Indicators
   • Proportion of population living below the national poverty line before and after disaster relief efforts.
   • Number of individuals and businesses receiving tax relief and mortgage relief.
2. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Number of emergency protective measures implemented (e.g., evacuations, sheltering).
   • Incidence of post-disaster health hazards such as flash flooding and debris flows.
3. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Number of fire-damaged school facilities rebuilt.
   • Number of displaced students assisted to return to school.
4. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Time taken to approve building permits and inspections during recovery.
   • Amount of funding allocated to rebuilding and infrastructure recovery.
5. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Number of temporary housing units provided.
   • Number of communities with debris removal and flood defense measures implemented.
   • Number of people protected from eviction and predatory practices.
6. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of reported violations of price gouging and predatory real estate practices.
   • Number of executive orders and policies enacted to protect survivors.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: gov.ca.gov