Understanding Los Angeles: How a Unique Survey is Shaping Policy and Change
For five years, sociologist Kyla Thomas has studied Los Angeles County with the curiosity and passion of an outsider, meticulously uncovering what makes Angelenos tick.
As director of LABarometer, a biannual survey launched by UCLA, Thomas has been immersed in the lives of Angelenos, gaining valuable insights into their attitudes towards their community and its challenges. LABarometer paints a nuanced picture of life in Los Angeles – investigating critical areas like affordability, livability, mobility, and sustainability.
The vast data obtained through two surveys a year – one focused on mobility and sustainability and the other on livability and affordability – aids policymakers, community leaders, and researchers. Los Angeles County’s Chief Sustainability Office cites LABarometer data to advocate for targeted interventions based on LA residents’ perspectives.
“We track and analyze social and economic conditions throughout the county, then share those findings with the public, policymakers, and practitioners,” says Thomas. The overarching goal of LABarometer, according to Thomas, is to help Los Angeles become a better, stronger, and healthier place for all its residents.
“The survey has proven to be immediately valuable,” says Paul Simon, former Chief Science Officer of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. He worked closely with Thomas in the early days of LABarometer to gauge community sentiment during the pandemic.
“We were able to track trends over time to understand the effectiveness of public health messaging and support. LABarometer also helped us identify individual concerns about vaccinations,”
The data gathered played a key role in understanding and addressing the impact of the pandemic on food access, especially for vulnerable populations.
Over 2,000 adults participate in LABarometer, representing a diverse range of communities within Los Angeles County.
“It’s a deep dive into how Angelenos feel about important issues and their living conditions,” says Thomas.
The pulse of LA
The biannual survey has pinpointed crucial trends in Los Angeles – highlighting the increasing challenge of affordability and housing costs.
“We’re seeing a consistent uptick in the number of people moving out of Los Angeles due to rising rent costs and other financial pressures,” says Thomas.
LABarometer findings are heavily relied upon by L.A. County officials and advocates working on various community issues.
“The survey results related to food access and security have been central to our efforts to secure funding and push for initiatives that bolster a resilient local food system,” shares Alison Frazzini, Director for L.A.County’s Chief Sustainability Office.
“LABarometer data shapes programs and actions taken by various stakeholders – from city planners working on transportation infrastructure to community organizations tackling food insecurity,” adds frazzini.
Looking Ahead – An Expanding Scope for Impact
Though LABarometer has gained substantial traction, Kim Thomas and her team envision an even broader reach for the survey.
“Our dream is a panel of 5,000 participants. This would allow for more nuanced insights into specific communities within L.A.,” shares Thomas.
The continuous evolution of LABarometer will include additional modules addressing emerging concerns and current issues
“We’ve got to keep evolving alongside of the needs of Los Angeles. My hope is that LABarometer continues to be a powerful tool for understanding and addressing Los Angeles,” Thomas concludes.
– How does LABarometer collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to ensure that the survey questions and findings are relevant and impactful to the diverse communities of Los Angeles?
## Understanding Los Angeles: A Conversation with LABarometer Director Kyla Thomas
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Today we’re diving deep into the heart of Los Angeles with sociologist Dr. Kyla Thomas, the driving force behind LABarometer, a unique survey providing critical insights into the lives and opinions of Angelenos. Dr. Thomas, thanks for joining us.
**Dr. Thomas:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** LABarometer has been running for five years now. Can you tell us what inspired its creation and what makes it so special?
**Dr. Thomas:** Absolutely. We wanted to create a tool that went beyond traditional polling and truly captured the lived experiences of Angelenos. LABarometer is a biannual survey, meaning we conduct it twice a year, which allows us to track trends and shifts in attitudes over time. We delve into crucial issues like affordability, livability, mobility, and sustainability – topics that directly impact the lives of Angelenos.
**Host:** The survey covers a wide range of issues. Can you give us an example of how LABarometer data has been used to influence policy or bring about positive change in Los Angeles County?
**Dr. Thomas:** Certainly. During the pandemic, LABarometer data proved invaluable. We were able to track public sentiment towards health measures, identify concerns about vaccines, and understand the impact of the pandemic on food security, particularly for vulnerable populations. This information was vital for tailoring public health messaging and interventions.
**Host:** We also heard from Paul Simon, former Chief Science Officer of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, who praised LABarometer’s impact. He highlighted its ability to provide timely and valuable data during the pandemic.
**Dr. Thomas:** Yes, Paul was a key collaborator in the early days of LABarometer. His insight and expertise helped shape the survey’s focus and ensure its relevance to the needs of the community.
**Host:** How has LABarometer evolved since its inception, and what are your hopes for its future?
**Dr. Thomas:** We’re constantly refining our methodology and expanding the scope of our inquiries to reflect the evolving needs of Los Angeles. Our overarching goal is to empower policymakers, community leaders, and the public with the data they need to build a more equitable, sustainable, and thriving Los Angeles for everyone.
**Host:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Thomas. It’s clear that LABarometer is playing a crucial role in shaping a better future for Los Angeles.
