Higher education institutions as partners for sustainable development in Los Angeles (California), US

This paper examines how collaboration between the City of Los Angeles (United States) and local higher education institutions (HEIs) supports sustainable urban development, leveraging the availability and comparability of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework and indicators as an instrument for cooperation and to monitor and measure outcomes. The analysis finds that HEIs have been key contributors to efforts in Los Angeles to track relevant indicators at the local level, through student task forces, applied research and data support, helping the city produce two Voluntary Local Reviews. However, this collaboration relied heavily on philanthropic funding and individual relationships that did not generate a permanent institutional framework. The report provides guidance on how Los Angeles can build on its previous experience to address its sustainable development challenges in collaboration with HEIs, including through stronger co-ordination mechanisms, diversified funding and renewed engagement ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.