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Advocacy

Organizing 101

Get to know your neighbors, connect with allies, and activate your community with expert insights to help you craft your own local policy campaign.

Our timeline

Pushing for more

California street vending has come a long way, but we still have a ways to go.

Street vending policies vary widely between districts, which is why vendors statewide still demand additional protections and accommodations to make operating easier and more accessible. Like we saw with SB 946 and SB 972, community organizing is an effective strategy to make waves and change laws.

  • 2011 Our movement begins

    LA Street Vending Campaign (LASVC) is founded with support from organizations working in organizing, policy development, food justice, and economic justice.

  • 2018 Street vending decriminalized

    After years of organizing and advocacy, the City of Los Angeles is pressured to remove criminal penalties for the act of selling on sidewalks.

  • 2019 Senate Bill 946 legalizes street vending

    Immediately following decriminalization, our coalition forces the City of Los Angeles to create clear rules and regulations for legal street vending. Some restrictions and “no-vending” zones remain.

  • 2022 Senate Bill 972 signed into law

    The street vendor pilot program takes off in Los Angeles County, leading the way for critical statewide advocacy to address inequities in the California Food Retail Code that governs municipal enforcement. Governor Gavin Newsom signs SB 972 into law on September 23, 2022.

  • 2024 Restrictions lifted on “no-vending” zones

    Following Senate Bill 946 there were still many restrictions on where vendors could legally operate. Our coalition successfully sued the City of Los Angeles for failure to comply, thus creating a safer, more equitable landscape for street vendors and consumers.

A group of vendors in blue shirts.

Start a movement

Creating a strategy

Advice on how to connect with your neighbors and start taking action

Learn how to build a grassroots policy campaign strategy with pointers involving vendor outreach, training up community leaders, and more.

Start strategizing

Hone your voice

Storytelling for change

A simple guide on how to share your “why”

Explore how compelling narratives can inspire movements, influence public opinion, and drive action towards meaningful change.

Read storytelling tips

Two women grilling meat.

Legislative action

Crafting policy

An ordinance template to help you get started

Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to offer solutions. Use this model ordinance to write your very own policy proposal in line with the latest legislative standards.

See policy template

Additional Resources

More organizing pro tips

Check out even more organizing resources created by and for advocates.

Remember, every community is different. Customize and refine these tips and templates to best suit you, your neighborhood, and your goals.

  • Street vendors rejoice as the city of Los Angeles removes previously imposed restrictions, marking a significant triumph for their community.

    In a major win for LA street vendors, the city abolished its restrictive vending regulations, allowing vendors more freedom to operate. The move follows years of advocacy and protests by vendors who argued that the restrictions were overly harsh and economically damaging. This is a pivotal victory for the street vending community, paving the way for more inclusive and supportive policies.

    Read the StreetsBlog LA article

  • This episode delves into street vending’s past, the taco’s cultural journey, and the efforts of Inclusive Action for the City.

    Eva and Maite trace the evolution of street vending and the taco, revealing their deep cultural roots. Rudy Espinoza from Inclusive Action for the City discusses how his organization supports Los Angeles street vendors. The episode also features a visit to the Piñata District in Downtown LA, where activist Merced Sanchez shares insights on the intersection of activism and entrepreneurship. Recommended readings include works by Jeffery Pilcher, Farley Elliott, and Sarah Portnoy on the subject.

    Listen to this episode

Resources for street vendors and organizers

More to explore

Building a movement

Join our community

We’re a coalition of street vendors, organizers, and everyday people.

Add your name to our email list to be the first to know about advocacy opportunities and workshops—and receive resources and updates about the street vending movement statewide.