Sign In

David Levitus

Executive Director at LA Forward + LA Forward Institute

David Levitus is the Founder and Executive Director of LA Forward, a progressive organization dedicated to creating a just and vibrant Los Angeles.1 Here are some key details about David Levitus:

Background and Education

David Levitus has a strong academic background in history and economics. He majored in History and Economics at New York University as an undergraduate.1 Later, he earned a Ph.D. in History from the University of Southern California, focusing on patterns of metropolitan development and political power over the last century.1

Career and Activism

After his studies, David transitioned from academia to grassroots activism and policy advocacy. His experiences during graduate school, including volunteer work in social justice organizing, led him to pursue a career in creating change from the ground up.1

Founding LA Forward

David founded LA Forward with a group of fellow Angelenos to build progressive power in Los Angeles.1 The organization is structured as a family of nonprofits:

  • LA Forward: A 501(c)(4) nonprofit focused on supporting progressive policy and holding elected officials accountable
  • LA Forward Institute: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving as the educational arm of LA Forward1

Publications and Affiliations

David has published long-form essays on progressive politics and urban policy in the LA Review of Books and Streetsblog Los Angeles.1 He is also involved with several other organizations:

  • Board Member: Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance (KIWA), KIWA Action, and LA Voice Action
  • Member: Social Venture Partners Los Angeles 2019-2021 Systems Accelerator cohort
  • Former Fellow: Coro Lead LA, Ashoka Emerging Social Innovators, and Starting Bloc1

Through his work at LA Forward and various other roles, David Levitus continues to advocate for progressive policies and social justice in Los Angeles.

Highlights

Aug 24 · linkedin

I'm proud to be co-hosting a fundraising party with two stellar progressive City Council candidates -- Hugo Soto-Martinez and Erin Darling!

It'll be Weds, Sep 7, 6pm @ Hi Def Brewing in DTLA and we'll be raising much needed funds for these two bold and thoughtful community leaders.

I hope you'll buy a ticket and consider joining the host committee to support these important and urgent campaigns!

The reason is pretty simple -- the events of the last couple years have shown just how badly we need a better, more progressive City Council. It's been an uphill battle to pass good policy and with Mike Bonin stepping down, we need dedicated, hard-working progressives repping us on council more than ever.

This should be a fun evening, including a DJ and City Councilmember-Elect Eunisses Hernandez and an awesome group of co-hosts. (link in comments)

May 26 · linkedin

I'm grateful that LA Forward has the opportunity to bring on a paid fellow through the Justice Summer program. Please share widely -- priority applications (very short - no resume/cover letter needed) are due by May 30th!

Justice Summer is a paid, full-time intensive hands-on training program that will go from July 5th through August 30th.

It's run by Base Building for Power, in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Foundation (which was founded by the legendary organizer and United Farm Worker co-founder). This program will give participants concrete organizing skills while working collaboratively with a team of 20 organizers on a urgent campaign for racial and economic justice. Graduates will be well positioned to get organizing jobs in progressive groups and unions, launching themselves on a powerful new career path.  Link in the comments.

Related Questions

What inspired David Levitus to start LA Forward?
What are some of David Levitus's notable achievements in politics and policy?
How has David Levitus's background in History and Economics influenced his work at LA Forward?
What are the main goals of LA Forward under David Levitus's leadership?
Can you tell me more about David Levitus's work with the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance (KIWA)?
David Levitus
David Levitus, photo 1
David Levitus, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

Los Angeles, California, United States