For two decades Jessica Meaney's work has focused on how to plan, fund, and maintain public infrastructure. Her nonprofit, Investing in Place, has highlighted a core truth about LA: the reason we can't fix our sidewalks is because we have to fix the whole system. Last year, Investing in Place's Public Space Leadership Council put forth 16 specific recommendations for charter reform, many of which were included in the final approved language that will go to voters.
Just one day after the city's new budget drops — deep breath! — we'll talk about LA's financial woes, transforming the public works department, and the status of the city's all-important capital infrastructure program. (Say it with me: C-I-P! C-I-P!) Be sure to also read Jessica's latest: "What It Means to Care for a City." As she writes, the city has a window to make big changes in 2026: "Los Angeles does not have an infrastructure problem. It has a governance problem and an operations problem. And right now, there is a real opportunity to address both."
Bring your questions about building a LA that works.
Torched Talks with Investing in Place's Jessica Meaney Tuesday, April 21 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. PT
🪩 This Torched Talks is part of Torched's 2nd birthday celebration: a week-long party with five days of events starting on Monday, April 20. Join for a single event or come to every single one!
🎙️ Torched Talks is an ongoing series of conversations with experts on topics facing LA in its megaevent era. It's free and open to all — simply join the Zoom to participate. If you can't make it, I'll post the recording here when it's over
⚽ If you missed feminist sports writer and self-described "sports crank" Jennifer Doyle last month, the recording is now up — a timely conversation as the IOC presses ahead with its dangerous new policy to sex test athletes
