In 2018, the Watts community received one of California’s most ambitious climate equity grants through the state’s Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) program—a groundbreaking investment aimed at supporting frontline neighborhoods in leading their own climate and community resilience solutions. That bold vision gave rise to Watts Rising, a powerful coalition of residents and more than 40 partner organizations working together to implement community-identified projects that improve public health, expand economic opportunity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across South Los Angeles.
Now, after six years of deep collaboration and tangible impact, Watts Rising officially concludes—but its legacy lives on through the lasting improvements in the community and the strong partnerships it helped build.
GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GRID GLA) is proud to have played a vital role in the coalition. Through rooftop solar installations, hands-on job training, and grassroots outreach, GRID GLA helped bring clean energy, career pathways, and real, measurable change to the residents of Watts.
“Being a part of Watts Rising allowed us to do what we do best. We connect clean energy solutions directly to the people who need them most. This wasn’t just about infrastructure. It was about building trust, creating access, and supporting long-term opportunity.”
Lidia Castelo, Outreach Manager at GRID GLA
Our Impact in Watts
Since the grant was awarded, GRID GLA completed:
- 54 solar installations for income-qualified households
- 183.687 kilowatts of solar capacity installed
- 59 trainees recruited, with 50 successfully graduating
- An estimated 3,261.63 metric tons of carbon emissions reduced over time
These outcomes are the result of both grassroots outreach and strategic collaboration. GRID GLA partnered with key organizations throughout the grant period, including:
- Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles
- Habitat for Humanity – Greater Los Angeles
- TreePeople
Together, these partners helped ensure that every project reflected the needs and aspirations of the community, whether it was clean energy, tree planting, or affordable housing improvements.
“Watts Rising created a model for what climate justice looks like when it’s led by the community, not just delivered to it. It brought local voices to the table and turned their ideas into action.”
Teresa Perez, Director of Grants Administration, GRID GLA
What’s Next
Watts Rising may be coming to a close, but its spirit lives on. The relationships built, jobs created, and homes empowered by clean energy will continue to fuel a stronger, more sustainable Watts for years to come.
As GRID GLA moves forward, we remain committed to supporting the community through continued outreach, workforce development, and equitable access to solar, because when communities lead, real change follows.
To learn more about the legacy of Watts Rising, visit wattsrising.org.
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