In this episode of Young People to the Front, the hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine welcome guest Ashley Bennett, Director of Homelessness at the Los Angeles City Controller’s Office. The conversation explores Ashley’s personal journey from experiencing homelessness as a youth to becoming a community organizer and later transitioning into government work. She discusses her work with Ground Game LA, her pivotal role during the Echo Park Lake encampment, and her transition into the Controller’s Office under Kenneth Mejia. 

Ashley provides a detailed look at the importance of transparency in city budgeting, especially concerning homelessness, and highlights new tools like the Homelessness Dashboard and Build My City Budget. The episode underscores the need to spotlight youth homelessness as a distinct and often underrepresented issue in city planning and services.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Ashley’s lived experience with youth homelessness
• Founding and organizing with Ground Game LA
• Echo Park Lake encampment and community defense strategies
• Transparency and budgeting tools in the Controller’s Office
• The need for youth-specific homelessness data and resources

Connect with Ashley Bennett:

https://controller.lacity.gov/

https://www.facebook.com/lacontroller

https://www.instagram.com/lacontroller

https://www.tiktok.com/@lacontrollermejia

https://twitter.com/lacontroller

https://bsky.app/profile/lacontroller.bsky.social

https://homelessdashboard.lacontroller.app/

https://shelterbeds.lacontroller.app/