AI & Affordability in California - TechEquity Collaborative How AI is quietly driving up the cost of rent, utilities, and everyday essentials for California families—and what leaders can do about it.

@techequity.bsky.social and Economic Security California's new memo highlights AI’s role in California’s affordability crisis, and outlines policy solutions to reduce costs, prevent AI companies from passing energy expenses on to households, and give people control over their data: bit.ly/4mJvrOa

When Child Care Costs Half a Paycheck, Bay Area Parents Must Choose: Kids or Career | KQED Rising child care prices leave many Bay Area parents with little choice, but to turn down career opportunities, cut back hours, quit or come up with creative solutions.

Rising child care costs in the Bay Area are forcing families, especially moms, to make difficult tradeoffs.

We need systemic solutions and greater public investment so parents don’t have to choose between their careers and their kids.

More in @kqedforum.bsky.social: bit.ly/4exjVTO

Mass deportations could jolt Bay Area economy and trigger job losses, report warns Hefty chunk of regional economy might be affected, new study says.

At Irvine, our goal is to build a California where all low-income workers can advance economically. Achieving that goal requires thoughtful, holistic approaches that respect the dignity and contributions of all workers, regardless of immigration status. (2/2)

bit.ly/3QjhtWY

Mass deportations could jolt Bay Area economy and trigger job losses, report warns Hefty chunk of regional economy might be affected, new study says.

The Bay Area is home to more than 2.6M immigrants, including an estimated 477,000 undocumented residents who are essential in key industries.

Mass deportations could cost the region as much as $67B due to direct labor losses, supply chain disruptions, and reduced spending. bit.ly/3QjhtWY (1/2)

California’s $20 an hour fast food minimum wage, instituted in 2024, did not reduce employment. It led to only the most modest of price increases—barely noticeable to a consumer. It significantly improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of workers.
capitalandmain.com/despite-apoc...

Interested in learning about early educator #apprenticeships?

Join ECEPTS on April 28 and 29 to learn how to support the next generation of educators and help sustain early educator apprenticeships.

4/28 webinar: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

4/29 webinar: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

How long a life can you expect in LA? Gap widens between rich and poor areas of county Average life expectancy went down slightly compared to the previous study released in 2017.

@measureofamerica.bsky.social’s new report explores the well-being of Los Angeles County residents using the American Human Development Index, which takes into account life expectancy, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living.

Learn more: bit.ly/4c52jf4

Just Prosperity initiative lays out its approach for the next seven years - The James Irvine Foundation

We’re thrilled to share that The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors approved $185M to support and expand our Just Prosperity initiative!

With this additional investment, we're excited to continue partnering with our grantees to ensure the economy works for all Californians. bit.ly/4scjUb9

On the flip side, AI can improve skill-building approaches and allow workers to focus on strategic tasks. But to get these benefits, workers and the organizations advocating with them must have a seat at the table. That’s why we're supporting organizations that put workers first: bit.ly/4shvRgH 2/2

Shaping California's AI future with workers at the center - The James Irvine Foundation

From AI literacy becoming a job requirement to shrinking pathways for young workers, automated scheduling, and rising costs of living driven in part by data centers, AI is increasingly affecting our communities.

bit.ly/4shvRgH 1/2

How to Support Nonprofit Worker Well-being - Nonprofit Finance Fund An in-depth research report and practical guide on the challenges, promising practices, and strategies to build nonprofit worker well-being.

How can funders support the economic security and well-being of nonprofit workers?

Nonprofit Finance Fund outlines practices and strategies funders can implement: bit.ly/3PN8ME2 (2/2)

The High Cost of Low Nonprofit Pay Millions of nonprofit workers don’t make enough to sustain themselves. Experts warn it’s time for boards and funders to stop ignoring the math and start investing in the people behind the mission.

Rasheeda Childress’ @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social piece highlights the reality that millions of nonprofit workers are not paid family-sustaining wages.

When organizations rely on a culture of self-sacrifice, burnout follows, and fewer people are left to carry out the mission.

bit.ly/4bB00l8 (1/2)

Too many Californians are forced to juggle multiple jobs, take on gig work, stretch credit cards, and rely on family & friends to get by. Last summer, @ppicnotes.bsky.social spoke with low- and middle-income workers about life in today's economy. Key takeaways below.

Read on: bit.ly/3N3G6ps

Graphic of a close up poppy, with text inside that reads "Nominations Are Now Closed"

Nominations for the 2027 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards are now closed.

Thank you to all who nominated a California problem-solver or who helped spread the word.
#IrvineAwards

Shaping California's AI future with workers at the center - The James Irvine Foundation

How is Irvine thinking about AI's growing impact on low-income workers and their families?

Check out our new blog series on Irvine's work to advance a worker-driven approach to AI: bit.ly/4shvRgH

Do you know a leader or leadership pair in California who’s solving issues in your community? Nominate them now at: bit.ly/40Exvww

Have questions? Check out the informational webinar at: bit.ly/4s38OWB

Curious about how learning and evaluation leaders in philanthropy are strengthening how they measure and learn about systems change?

Check out this blog post by Irvine’s Kim Ammann Howard and Jennifer Ho, and Engage R+D’s Clare Nolan: bit.ly/4cEA4WP

Darla M. Cooper of The RP Group has been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of her inspirational work in championing community college success through student-centered research and policy change.

Learn more about Darla’s impact at: lnkd.in/g5zC4B7w
#IrvineAwards

Celina Alvarez of Housing Works of California has been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of her transformative work in advancing sustainable homeless response systems through frontline workforce training and wellness.
Learn more at: lnkd.in/gkrnK2vr
#IrvineAwards

Virgil Moorehead Jr. And Amy Mathieson of Two Feathers Native American Family Services have been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of their impactful work in transforming youth mental health by integrating clinical care, culture, and leadership.

Learn more at: na2.hubs.ly/H03_Nvm0

Lian Cheun of Khmer Girls in Action has been awarded a 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in recognition of her transformative work in strengthening democracy through youth leadership, organizing, and cultural healing.

Learn more at: lnkd.in/gAYqruUB
#IrvineAwards

Adrianne Hillman and Erin Garner-Ford of Salt + Light have been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of their inspirational work in building community-focused housing to restore stability and belonging.

Learn more about their impact at: lnkd.in/g6ChQGPc
#IrvineAwards

Chris Chatmon of Kingmakers of Oakland has been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of his transformative work in shaping positive youth futures through cultural identity, mentorship and leadership pathways.

Learn more about Chatmon’s impact at: lnkd.in/gh_efdJ3
#IrvineAwards

We're thrilled to share the newest slate of The Courage Project awardees!

From walking for peace to stepping up to feed our neighbors and answering the call for help in the face of disaster, these awardees show what it means to show up for your community.

Learn more: thecourageproject.org

Nonprofits want to invest in their people, but they can’t do it alone.

How can funders support nonprofit workers? Nonprofit Finance Fund highlights funding practices and strategies funders can implement to strengthen the #nonprofit workforce, and in turn, the communities they serve: bit.ly/40ea1y8

The ability to meet basic financial needs, including rent, healthcare, and childcare, is essential to well-being. Yet more than half of California nonprofits reported that they’re unable to pay all full-time staff a living wage. Without economic security, worker well-being remains unattainable.(2/3)

How to Support Nonprofit Worker Well-being - Nonprofit Finance Fund An in-depth research report and practical guide on the challenges, promising practices, and strategies to build nonprofit worker well-being.

“Worker well-being is community well-being. When our staff are taken care of, our community is taken care of.” – Nonprofit Leader

bit.ly/40ea1y8 (1/3)

Listening to Californians: what workers paid low wages want us to know - The James Irvine Foundation

How are low-income workers faring in today's economy, and what do they want leaders in philanthropy, government, and business to do differently?

Check out this blog post from Irvine’s Kim Ammann Howard and Annie Bickerton: bit.ly/3N3G6ps

Do you know a leader or leadership pair advancing transformative solutions to critical issues facing #California?

Nominate them now for the 2027 #IrvineAwards: bit.ly/40Exvww

Each award recipient’s organizations receive $350,000 and support in sharing their solutions with policymakers.

Overworked & Under Pressure: A Study of Supermarket Workers in Los Angeles and Orange County Koreatowns Koreatown, one of Los Angeles’ most diverse neighborhoods, has long served as a cultural and economic hub for immigrant communities, including large Latine and Korean populations.

A new study by KIWA, the UCLA Labor Center, and AAPI Data looks at the working conditions of supermarket workers in Koreatowns across Los Angeles and Orange County and highlights ways to create fairer working and living conditions.

Check it out at: bit.ly/4kVJ4Zt