As we close out 2023, Change.org has compiled a list of the cities with the most active changemakers and their respective petitions. While cities across the U.S. contributed significantly to the tapestry of change, Los Angeles lands in the top ten – with the second most petitions created in 2023. 

Below, you can find a list of ten standout petitions that focused on Los Angeles, as well as the full list of our top change-making cities of 2023. The petitions below demonstrate inspiring stories of resilience and courage, and the power of local advocacy to shape a community. 

TOP TEN STANDOUT PETITIONS FROM LOS ANGELES:

1. Preserve the Kobe and Gianna Bryant mural – With more than 90,000 signatures; this petition calls for a landlord owner to reconsider the decision to remove a beloved Kobe and Gianna Bryant mural in Downtown Los Angeles. Highlighting the mural’s cultural significance, role in community healing after Kobe’s tragic passing, and inspiration for youth, the petition urges preservation to honor the Bryant legacy and maintain an essential cultural landmark in Los Angeles.
2. Save Our Community Mural – Speedy Auto Tint, a Latino family-owned business in Bellflower, proudly showcases a mural by artist Sloe, known for the iconic Kobe and GiGi mural in Downtown LA. The City of Bellflower is requesting the removal of the mural, situated on a main street, citing regulations, but the business, with 45,000 signatures, is petitioning to keep this artwork, believing it not only benefits local businesses but also attracts visitors and boosts the city’s economy.
3. Raise and extend Unemployment benefits for those affected by the WGA and SAG strikes – Started by Farah Bunch, this petition with more than 25,000 signatures, highlights the dire financial situation faced by entertainment industry workers, including crew members and vendors, who were unemployed for over seven months throughout the WGA and SAG strikes. The petition called for an increase in EDD benefits in California to match the high cost of living.
4. Saving Skid Row Dogs – With more than 20,000 signatures, this petition highlights the dire conditions for approximately 4,000-5,000 homeless individuals and their dogs in Skid Row, Los Angeles. It raises concerns about the unlawful tethering, breeding, and abuse of dogs, suffering in extreme heat without access to water, food, and shade.
5. 21 Miles-Petition for Safety Improvements and Educational Initiatives on the Pacific Coast – Michel Shane started this petition with over 18,000 signatures that calls for safety improvements on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) within Malibu city limits, citing multiple fatalities and injuries over the years, including a recent tragedy involving four young women. As a father who lost his daughter in an accident on the PCH, he demands immediate action from CalTrans to reduce speed limits, implement quick-build traffic calming measures, and provide a comprehensive plan for long-term safety.
6. Stop Demolition Marilyn MONROE‘s house – Sally Zawkins has a petition with over 8,500 signatures ​​that hopes to save the house where Marilyn Monroe lived and died from imminent demolition. She wants to make the residence an official Historic Cultural Monument and ultimately transform it into a museum dedicated to Marilyn Monroe.
7. Secretary Pete Buttigieg MUST Stop the 90 Freeway Tear Down – Started by Daphne Bradford, this petition has over 8,000 signatures and opposes the proposed demolition of the CA 90 freeway. The petition emphasizes the need for community input, particularly from Ladera Heights, Marina del Rey, Windsor Hills, Culver City, and Westchester residents, and expresses concerns about the potential impact on daily life, commuting times, traffic congestion, and essential services.
8. Establish India Consulate in Southern California Now – Gunjan Bagla started a petition with over 4,000 signatures that highlights the lack of easy access to a Consulate General of India for residents of Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Arizona, impacting people of Indian origin and hindering American business interactions with India.
9. Save Primary Promise Early Literacy Program in Los Angeles Unified School District – With more than 1,700 signatures, this petition advocates for the preservation of Primary Promise, an early literacy intervention model unanimously supported by the LAUSD board in 2020. The coalition of parents, teachers, staff, and community members opposes the move to dismantle Primary Promise in favor of the “Literacy and Numeracy Intervention Model (LNIT),” arguing that LNIT lacks the targeted focus and training that has made Primary Promise successful in accelerating early literacy and numeracy skills for students in kindergarten through second grade.
10. Demand Low-Cost or Free Spay and Neutering Services from Los Angeles City Animal Services – This petition, led by dedicated animal rescuers in Los Angeles, calls upon the city’s Animal Services and Animal Control departments to provide low-cost or free spaying/neutering services to address the urgent issue of pet overpopulation. It has more than 1,500 signatures.

You can find a list of ten petitions here. Our top ten change-making cities in order are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Denver, Dallas, and Charlotte. 

This list was compiled by Christina Martin, Change.org’s Senior Local Media Specialist. Are you a member of the press who would like to write about a Change.org petition? Christina can help. Email cmartin@change.org with your inquiry.