Empower Communities to Shape Their Futures
April 15, 2026
The 2026 Luskin Summit, “Building Power Through Local Solutions,” will examine how California communities can build power to address vulnerability through locally driven policy action that advances equity, and well-being. The Summit will emphasize that lasting change comes not from one-size-fits-all approaches, but from empowering local governments, institutions, and communities to shape solutions that reflect their needs and strengths.
Grounded in UCLA Luskin’s commitment to tackling society’s most urgent challenges, the Summit will explore how vulnerability is shaped by policy choices — and how power can be built through collaboration, accountability, and strategic action at the local and regional levels. Conversations will focus on how communities can leverage policy tools, data, and partnerships to translate broad goals into concrete, on-the-ground outcomes.
UCLA Luskin faculty and researchers will join policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and community partners to analyze the systems that influence everyday life and to identify opportunities for reform. This year’s discussions will examine the local implementation of SB 79, California’s new housing development law; community-centered responses to environmental challenges such as plastics and mega-events; strategies to strengthen transit safety; and approaches to addressing market concentration and intergenerational inequities —highlighting how building power locally can produce durable, equitable solutions across California.
The Summit’s keynote speaker is Laphonza Butler, former U.S. senator from California, partner at Actum LLC, and a nationally recognized leader in public policy and advocacy.
Details
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: UCLA Luskin Conference Center
Registration:
- $60 general admission | $20 for UCLA students
Sessions
Opening Plenary
Track 1: California’s Housing Strategy
Track 2: Environmental Health and Justice
Track 3: Transportation Security
Track 4: Roots of Socio-Economic Vulnerability and Prosperity
Closing Plenary
Schedule
Check-In and Breakfast: 8 a.m.
Opening Remarks: 8:45 a.m.
Quality of Life Index: 8:55 a.m.
Breakout Discussions, Round 1: 9:30 a.m.
Breakout Discussions, Round 2: 10:45 a.m.
Closing Keynote: 12 noon
Buffet Networking Lunch: 12:45 p.m.
Featured Presenters
- Government officials and civic leaders
- Decision-makers in politics and business
- UCLA scholars
- Difference-makers in the nonprofit and philanthropic spheres
How to Help
Please consider making an optional gift to the Luskin Student Support Fund to support vital fellowships and scholarships for our students.
Sponsors
Organizing Committee
- Alissa L. Ko, chair of the committee
- Stephen Cheung
- Cecilia Estolano
- Wendy Greuel
- Travis T. Kiyota
- Nicole Mutchnik
- Jeffrey A. Seymour
- Laura F. Shell
- Jacqueline Waggoner
- Ronald W. Wong
Please note that attendance by a public official will constitute acceptance of a reportable gift.
Photo Release: By attending this event, you will be entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. With your presence, you authorize UCLA Luskin and its licensees to photograph you, make sound and/or video recordings of you, and use the recordings for marketing, publicity and promotion of this event and UCLA Luskin generally. Please click on the link for the full UCLA Luskin Notice of Filming Release.