February 13, 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA – In response to the devastating January 2025 wildfires, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath is launching a bold new effort to rebuild communities in an era of climate-driven disasters. The Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery, in partnership with the University of California, Los Angeles, will develop a comprehensive set of recommendation to serve as a roadmap to ensure Los Angeles County’s recovery efforts are designed to withstand the realities of a changing climate—where wildfires, extreme heat, drought, and flooding are becoming more frequent and severe.

“Los Angeles County cannot afford to simply rebuild what was lost—we must build for the future,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “This is our opportunity to rethink how we design communities, fortify infrastructure, and protect lives from the growing threats of the climate crisis. The Blue Ribbon Commission will ensure that we lead the way in creating fire-safe, climate-resilient communities that will stand for generations. Our communities are invited into this process led by Los Angeles’ leading experts across academia, urban design and sustainability, environmental justice, housing, and finance.”

“The commission we are announcing is a terrific example of our university and its partners in the region working together. UCLA is not just a university in Los Angeles. It is a university of Los Angeles. Today’s blue ribbon commission answers that call to action, and we are pleased to partner with Supervisor Horvath on this important initiative,” said UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk.

The 2025 wildfires destroyed over 18,000 structures, caused $250 billion in economic losses, and displaced over 100,000 residents, reinforcing the urgent need for climate-adaptive policies.

“From championing the green rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Superstorm Sandy, and the San Bruno gas pipeline explosion, to advancing a mitigation and resilience plan at the LA Mayor’s Office in response to the Aliso Canyon gas leak, I know firsthand how important it is to help devasted communities get the resources and tools they need to rebuild better with lower energy costs and safer neighborhoods,” said Matt Petersen, Commission Chair and CEO of LACI. “In response to one of the worst climate disasters in US history, I look forward to guiding the work of this incredible Commission—supported by UCLA’s research—who represent leadership and expertise across the spectrum so we can help homeowners and communities rebuild resiliently while making our region a model for climate resiliency.”

“The Blue Ribbon Commission is a vital step toward ensuring we rebuild not just what was lost, but also prepare our communities for future challenges,” said CCF President & CEO Miguel Santana. “CCF is proud to support efforts that advance a just, equitable recovery—guided by data and trusted expertise.”

The Commission will provide expert-driven recommendations focused on: 

• Fire-safe reconstruction: Implementing fire-resistant materials, defensible space strategies, and climate-smart building standards.
• Resilient infrastructure: Undergrounding utilities, expanding water storage and conveyance, and hardening power grids.
• Faster rebuilding: Identifying resilient home designs and systems that could be pre-approved to expedite reconstruction and financial incentives to support rebuilding.
• Equitable recovery: Reducing the risk of displacement, ensuring affordable insurance, and prioritizing support for vulnerable communities.

The Commission will release its first set of recommendations within three months, outlining immediate proposed steps for fire-safe reconstruction and long-term climate adaptation strategies. The Commission meetings will begin in the coming weeks and immediately engage community voices to help shape the resilient rebuilding and recovery recommendations.

The recommendations are urgently needed to inform fire-impacted homeowners and businesses, but the lessons will be applicable to many at-risk communities across LA County and the state. The Commission will work with UCLA to develop a community engagement process for each phase of this initiative.

This effort is supported by a grant from the California Community Foundation and in-kind support from UCLA, including from the Sustainable LA Grand Challenge and Luskin Center for Innovation. Commission members are all volunteers.

More Information 

Fact sheet on Blue Ribbon Commission | Blue Ribbon Commission Website – UCLA

   Meet the Commissioners | Watch the Press Conference 

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