FORGE LA

Financing Options for Recovery, Growth, and Equity in Los Angeles

FORGE LA brings together Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), researchers, and funders to identify financing solutions and policies that help communities rebuild more quickly and equitably after disasters.

Why this Matters for Los Angeles

Wildfires and other climate-driven disasters are becoming an increasingly frequent challenge for California.

Los Angeles needs stronger systems to ensure recovery resources reach the neighborhoods, businesses, and institutions that anchor local communities.

What FORGE LA Is Building

FORGE LA focuses on strengthening access to recovery capital for:

Small botanical business with two females employees organizing products and displays

Small Businesses

Happy family of five taking a stroll on a sunny day through their neighborhood

Homeowners

Construction worker standing on a ladder putting in drywall

Affordable Housing Developers

Group of young students observing a oversized globe

Community-Serving Institutions

Through this initiative, partners are working to:

• Identify financial products that support recovery at every stage of a disaster
• Advance policies that reduce barriers to rebuilding
• Mobilize investment capital for impacted communities
• Develop strategies that help financial systems respond more effectively to future disasters

How FORGE LA Works

Infographic showing how FORGE LA strengthens disaster recovery

Contributors

FORGE LA is made possible through collaboration among the following financial institutions, researchers, and mission-driven partners.

Funder

Research Partner

Supporting Partners

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

FORGE LA Graduate Fellows

Graduate fellows from UCLA’s Urban and Regional Planning program support the research and coordination behind the FORGE LA initiative.

Shaine Stuhlmuller

Shaine Stuhlmuller (she/her) is an urban planner who leverages strategic research and project management expertise to align public investments with community priorities. She earned her B.A. from Temple University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning at UCLA.

Shania Santana

Shania Santana (she/they) is an emerging affordable housing professional who brings a robust skillset in research, program management, and material creation. Shania earned her B.A. in Urban Studies from Stanford University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning at UCLA.