The UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs released its latest Quality of Life Index (QLI) earlier this month, and the findings reflect the daunting challenges facing Angelenos today. In a year marked by wildfires, intensified ICE raids and rising costs, the index found Angelenos have record low levels of satisfaction with their quality of life.

More than a single report, the QLI tracks how Angelenos experience daily life over time—what’s improving, what’s getting harder and where the gaps are widening. As CCF continues its work to expand access to a good life for all, it’s vital that we have a clear baseline to measure our progress. That’s why we are proud to partner with UCLA Luskin and former Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky on this effort over the next decade.

Taken together, the survey makes one thing clear: the good life is too far out of reach for too many.

Across the region, people are navigating rising costs, financial insecurity and the long road to recovery from recent disasters. These pressures are compounding, making daily life harder for families across Los Angeles.

Through our work with the Department of Angels, we see firsthand how these challenges are playing out. More than 70% of wildfire-impacted households remain displaced or not fully recovered, with savings depleted, debt rising and rebuilding slowed by insurance gaps and high costs.

According to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, businesses are also grappling with these pressures. The vast majority of LA businesses—82%—report negative impacts this year, and 44% have lost more than half their revenue. When individuals pull back, the effects ripple across our economy affecting jobs, neighborhoods and long-term growth.

Despite these mounting challenges, a majority of Angelenos remain hopeful. More than half of QLI respondents say they are optimistic about their personal economic future. This reminds us that no matter the obstacles, Los Angeles remains a region of dreamers—and doers—who rise to every challenge.

We saw that spirit in early 2025, when in a matter of weeks, 36,000 donors raised $50 million for CCF’s Wildfire Recovery Fund to provide critical aid to survivors. Following intensified immigration enforcement this summer, communities formed rapid response networks, delivered groceries to those too fearful to go out and took to the streets to demand better. Our region also showed up and voted in force in last year’s special election to ensure our communities’ voices were heard. That same spirit is needed now more than ever. The challenges this data reveal are urgent—and solvable—when we act together. We invite you to join us through the CCF Impact Fund and help us step up in this time of need with the same force and generosity that defines Los Angeles at its best.

At CCF, we recognize the road ahead is difficult, but we are committed to driving results. This is why our partnership with UCLA Luskin matters. The QLI gives us a shared, data-driven understanding of where the need is greatest—helping us develop more effective, coordinated solutions across philanthropy, government and community partners.

We invite you to read the stories in our newsletter about the difference our community partners are making through your support. Pasadena Village is distributing CCF grants to senior residents displaced by the Eaton Fire to help their recovery process. Malibu Community Long Term Recovery Group recently followed Altadena’s lead by erecting a giant map of the Palisades fire telling the story of the sprawling fire in a way that is both visceral and clear. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is recruiting, training and graduating diverse medical professionals to provide the culturally competent health care our neighbors so urgently need and deserve.

This kind of critical work needed to restore and revitalize our communities could not happen without you.

Los Angeles has always been defined by resilience. Our role is to help turn that resilience into lasting progress—so that the good life is within reach for all.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Miguel A. Santana

President and CEO
California Community Foundation