UCLA experts help shape L.A. fire recovery plan
On June 20, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire-Safe Recovery presented its final report and policy recommendations for a resilient recovery and rebuilding effort following the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles. More than 40 UCLA scholars contributed their expertise to the independent commission, including faculty from the Luskin Center for Innovation, the School of Law’s Emmett Institute on Climate and Environment, and the Sustainable LA Grand Challenge. They also guided the commission’s work and engaged with communities to reflect insights and feedback from those impacted by the fires. The commission outlined nearly 60 recommendations, including the creation of a Resilient Rebuilding Authority and a Los Angeles County Fire Control District, to enhance
fire resilience and equitable recovery. Announced in February by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath in partnership with UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk, the independent commission was supported by a grant from the California Community Foundation and in-kind support from UCLA.
UCLA Anderson Forecast: Economic slowdown ahead
The UCLA Anderson Forecast’s second quarterly report for 2025 indicates a declining economic outlook for both the U.S. and California, with the national economy facing deceleration due to high tariffs and labor market disruptions. Meanwhile California is expected to face job losses and stagnation in key sectors. The national unemployment rate is projected to rise to 4.6%, and inflation is expected to exceed a 4% annual rate as tariff-related costs impact supply chains. According to the forecast, California could experience a 6.1% unemployment peak this year and slower growth than the national average, with a potential recovery starting mid-2026.
UC leads in global university rankings
UCLA ranks among the top American public research universities in the 2025-26 U.S. News Best Global Universities list, with UC campuses securing four top-50 global spots. UCLA’s contributions bolster the UC system’s $60-billion annual economic impact and its role in educating one in every 130 Americans with a college degree.
Streaming embraces diversity
UCLA’s latest Hollywood Diversity Report concludes that streaming platforms have made significant strides in diversity, with households of color overrepresented among the top-rated films and half of all leading roles filled by people of color, nearly double that of theatrical films. The report also found that women occupy 61% of lead roles and that diverse casts drive viewership across demographic groups. Despite those strides toward diversity, the industry needs to reflect new realities, according to the report, which underscores the ongoing disparities in budget allocations between streaming and theatrical releases.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reflects on social justice
NBA and UCLA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar returned to his alma mater last month for a discussion centered on his new book, We All Want to Change the World, chronicling his lifelong dedication to social justice advocacy. He shared poignant personal experiences, including a transformative encounter with Martin Luther King Jr. that shaped his worldview, his active role in historic protests, and his friendship with Muhammad Ali, whose influence strengthened his commitment. Abdul-Jabbar emphasized how these moments fueled his career-long fight against racial injustice, work that has defined his legacy even more meaningfully than his contributions to basketball.
Community-engaged scholarship binds UCLA to Los Angeles
Michelle Caswell, a professor of information studies at UCLA, plays a pivotal role in advancing the university's goal of deepening community engagement with Los Angeles – Goal 1
outlined in UCLA’s Strategic Plan. By serving as a special advisor to Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Darnell Hunt, Caswell works to remove institutional barriers that hinder collaboration between scholars and community partners. Her efforts focus on ensuring that community-engaged research receives proper recognition in the tenure and promotion processes. Additionally, she co-chairs the UCLA Community Engagement Advisors Network to build networks of faculty conducting community-engaged scholarship. She also co-chairs the UCLA Community Engagement Council to further the university’s community engagement with key stakeholders.
Retiring director transformed academic support for first-gen students
Charles “Dr. A” Alexander recently retired after nearly 30 transformative years with the University of California, concluding a remarkable tenure as UCLA’s assistant vice provost for student diversity and director of the Academic Advancement Program (AAP). During his tenure, Alexander nearly doubled AAP’s reach, serving more first-generation and low-income students through innovative initiatives such as the “Community of Scholars” orientation and the AAP Learning Pavilion, which delivered tailored academic support. His leadership boosted retention and academic success, with close to 90% of AAP students graduating within six years. At a recent retirement ceremony, he was honored for his decades of service to Angelenos with recognitions from elected
officials.
A new data tool highlights environmental health disparities
The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (LPPI) recently launched the Latino Climate and Health Dashboard, a digital tool developed with guidance from a statewide advisory committee of climate justice, public health, and data equity experts. This dashboard provides county-specific data on climate and health indicators, revealing that Latino neighborhoods face more extreme heat days and poorer air quality—two environmental conditions linked to climate change and associated with significant health disparities compared to non-Latino white neighborhoods.
New study reveals wage gap for Latinas
A recent study by UCLA, UC Santa Cruz, and Cal State Channel Islands researchers exposes a stark wage disparity, concluding that Latinas in California’s Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Ventura counties earn just 47-50 cents for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men. Drawing on 2023 American Community Survey data, the analysis shows that Latinas, a significant portion of the female labor force in these regions, are paid less than white male counterparts in part because they have limited educational access and face gender discrimination. The research calls for comprehensive policy solutions, including enhanced educational opportunities and anti-discrimination measures, to promote fair and equitable wages for all workers.
More online resources needed for Californians with disabilities
A recent UCLA Center for Health Policy Research report reveals that California's supported decision-making law, which is designed to empower individuals with disabilities to make their own decisions, suffers from inadequate resources and may fall short of its objectives. The study highlights a lack of materials tailored for adults aged 18-64, with even fewer options for older adults and young people with disabilities, and it points out the absence of linguistic diversity and accessibility. It urges the development of targeted, accessible resources and improved training for disability service professionals to better serve high-risk populations.
Indigenous perspectives in California policy
Rudy Ortega Jr., president of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, spoke at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs about tribal sovereignty, self-governance, and the historical challenges faced by his community. His presentation highlighted issues of land recognition and the need for Indigenous voices in California's policy discussions. Eduardo Garcia, the course instructor, emphasized the importance of integrating real-world Indigenous issues into academic learning.
Discover how evidence-based forecasts guide businesses and policymakers in California's economy, plus insights on building a strong team and leveraging economic trends in strategic planning.
UCLA Health’s neuropsychiatric hospital to open in 2026 UCLA Health is developing a new five-story, 119-bed neuropsychiatric hospital in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, with plans to open in late summer 2026. This facility will relocate and expand the existing 74-bed UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital from Westwood. The project will significantly increase inpatient psychiatric capacity by more than 60%, while facilitating additional specialized care at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Low genetic testing rates in Medicaid children with autism and intellectual disabilities A study by UCLA researchers reveals that only 17% of Medicaid-enrolled children with autism and 13% with intellectual disabilities receive recommended genetic testing, based on 2008-2016 data from more than 240,000 cases. The findings underscore the need for policy changes and improved provider education to enhance access to genetic testing for these populations.
Discover how UCLA's students, staff, and faculty are enhancing the well-being of Greater Los Angeles through UCLA Community Partnerships.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
In existence for more than 18 years, the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) provides innovative entrepreneurship training to service members disabled during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. It was recognized by the Department of the Army in 2009 as a national "best practice" program providing service to soldiers and their families. UCLA is one of seven sites offering the boot camp. Starting in July, this program, as part of UCLA Anderson School of Management, delivers a 30-day online curriculum led by UCLA entrepreneurship faculty, a nine-day residency with top experts and entrepreneurs, and 12 months of mentorship, focusing on practical skills for fostering entrepreneurial skills and opportunities.
