By: Bo Tefu, CBM
In the aftermath of the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County, Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced the launch of “LA Rises,” a public-private initiative aimed at accelerating the region’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. The initiative is led by Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman.
To initiate the effort, the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation have committed up to $100 million. LA Rises plans to raise additional funds through private donations to support communities most affected by the fires, including Altadena, Pasadena, and the Pacific Palisades.
The initiative aims to complement city, county, and state efforts by:
Fundraising and expanding access to philanthropic and private capital.
Formulating financing strategies to bridge the gap between available resources and rebuilding costs.
Collaborating with other philanthropic and community organizations to maximize the impact of ongoing recovery efforts.
Providing unified communication to keep Angelenos informed about rebuilding timelines and available resources.
“Los Angeles will rise again—stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever. Just as California came together to fight the fires, we’ll work together to rebuild,” said Newsom emphasizing the collaborative nature of the initiative.
Johnson underscored the need for bold action, expressing a commitment to ensuring that every victim, regardless of background, has the opportunity to rebuild and thrive.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger expressed support, particularly for marginalized populations in Altadena who have lost everything. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the importance of the partnership in developing solutions to support the city’s recovery efforts.
L.A. Rises will also receive financial support from California Rises, a statewide recovery initiative founded by the Governor and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom after the 2018 Camp Fire. This partnership is dedicated to supporting communities impacted by fires, as well as firefighters and first responders.
