Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the creation of LA Rises, a recovery initiative that’s going to bring together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts in the wake of the Southern California wildfires.
The Governor specifically selected Dodgers owners Mark Walter and Magic Johnson, in addition to Casey Wasserman, to lead LA Rises and recruit others to contribute to the philanthropic effort.
“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,” Newsom said in a statement.
“With Mark, Earvin and Casey’s proven leadership and deep commitment to Los Angeles, we’ll tap into the enormous creativity, experience, and resources of the private sector, alongside local, state, and federal efforts, to deliver a recovery that benefits all Angelenos.”
LA Rises plans to tap into the full resources of the private sector, augmenting and amplifying local and state resources, in order to rebuild Altadena, Pasadena, Pacific Palisades, and all impacted communities.
“This is a time for bold action. We’re bringing together the best resources and biggest hearts across California to ensure that every Angeleno — no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or neighborhood — has a chance to rebuild and thrive,” Johnson said.
“This isn’t just about recovery; it’s about restoring communities while also making them more resilient and better than before.”
Mark Walter & Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation donate
To seed LA Rises, Walter, the Mark Walter Family Foundation and Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation provided an initial commitment of up to $100 million.
The group plans to raise additional funds through private donations and LA Rises will provide significant resources aimed at helping Los Angeles communities most affected by the catastrophic Southern California wildfires recover and rebuild.
“The LA fires have wreaked havoc on LA’s neighborhoods. It’s time for those with means to come forward and make a positive impact to build back better,” Walter said.
The Dodgers previously partnered with 11 other professional sports teams from Southern California pledged a combined donation of more than $8 million to support victims in need, as well as those fighting the wildfires.
In addition to the financial commitment from the Mark Walter Family Foundation and Dodgers’ foundation, LA Rises will receive financial support from California Rises, a statewide recovery initiative founded by Gov. Newsom and Siebel Newsom after the Camp Fire in 2018.
LA Rises plan
Through collaboration, LA Rises will have access to capital and leverage financial tools along with innovation and private-sector investment to fuel speedy recovery.
Initiatives will include fundraising and expanding access to philanthropic and private capital, developing financing strategies to close the gap between available resources and cost to rebuild, and collaborating with other philanthropic and community organizations.
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