LA funds far-left anti-cop nonprofit as small landlords get crushed

The city of Los Angeles has been funneling taxpayer funds amounting to $1.4 million to a controversial “social justice” group known as Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE). This group has been vocal about its desire to abolish the LAPD, cancel the 2028 Olympics, halt rent and mortgage payments, and has even taken legal action against the city.

SAJE, which is not just an activist group but also a paid contractor for the city of LA, has been hired to carry out tenant outreach, education, and housing-related mapping work. The majority of the funds received by SAJE since 2020 have come from contracts with the Los Angeles Housing Department, as well as additional grants from the Department of Water and Power.

The group’s extreme views include advocating for the abolition of the police force, urging boycotts of city hotels, and opposing the 2028 Olympics. Despite these controversial stances, SAJE has multiple contracts with the Los Angeles Housing Department, including a three-year, $600,000 contract for tenant outreach and education services related to housing enforcement programs.

Critics of SAJE argue that it is problematic for taxpayer dollars to fund an organization that actively works against the interests of landlords and the police force. The lack of transparency in how the Systematic Code Enforcement Fee revenue is spent has raised concerns about the accountability of such funding.

SAJE has also received grants from the Department of Water and Power and has been involved in litigation against the City of Los Angeles. The group’s financial relationship with left-leaning nonprofit LA Forward, as well as its exemption from the city’s lobbying ordinance, have raised questions about the overlap between taxpayer-funded advocacy and political organizing.

While the city rules allow nonprofits to receive public funds for advocacy work, the lack of transparency surrounding SAJE’s activities, access to City Hall, and limited public accounting of how the funds are utilized have highlighted a significant transparency gap.

Despite the controversial nature of SAJE’s activities and the concerns raised by critics, the city has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. The ongoing funding and contractual relationship between the city and SAJE continue to be a point of contention for many residents and stakeholders in Los Angeles.