Vision

In 2024, with a new executive director, LACGC shifted from a "hub-and-spoke" model to a decentralized, peer-to-peer network, where gardens function as "living laboratories." Each garden is in many ways an experimental space for testing different approaches to self-governance, food production, and community resilience. This new model allows for greater innovation and flexibility while maintaining a collective framework for learning and resource-sharing across the network.

Goals

1. 1.Neighborhood Leadership Development: LACGC supports leadership within each garden by training community members in garden management, self-governance, and conflict resolution. By encouraging peer-to-peer learning, gardens share best practices, fostering collaboration across the network.
2. 2.Mutual Aid and Climate Resiliency Hubs: LACGC’s gardens serve as more than just food-growing spaces—they are resilience hubs where community members can learn sustainable gardening practices, engage in cultural activities, and exchange support.
3. 3.Policy Advocacy: LACGC actively advocates for urban agriculture and green space policies. A recent policy win includes Councilman Tim McOsker’s motion to make the 6-acre Gaffey Street Community Garden with more than 200 largely Spanish-speaking members a culturally-inclusive model for sustainability and resilience.