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FOUNDED IN 1993, LAANE is recognized as a national authority on issues affecting the working poor and an innovator in the fight against working poverty. Combining a vision of social justice with a practical approach to social change, LAANE has helped set in motion a broad movement based on the principle that hard work deserves fair pay, good benefits and decent working conditions.

LAANE came to prominence by leading the effort to pass one of the country's first living wage laws, raising wages for 10,000 workers. Following the living wage victory, LAANE joined with a coalition of unions and clergy to form Respect at LAX, dramatically improving wages and working conditions for thousands of airport employees. LAANE also initiated the Santa Monica living wage movement, which has raised wages and passed protective legislation for hundreds of workers in the city's tourism industry.

In 2001, LAANE launched its new Community Benefits program, winning landmark agreements to ensure that developers provide quality jobs and community benefits in exchange for public subsidies. Among these agreements is a $500 million plan—the largest in the country—to improve the lives of residents living near LAX.

In 2004, LAANE led the effort to defeat Wal-Mart's $1.5 million initiative campaign in Inglewood, and helped pass the groundbreaking Los Angeles Superstore Ordinance, giving communities more control over the construction of big box stores. LAANE researchers have also produced a series of influential studies, including reports on working poverty, economic development and the Los Angeles living wage ordinance. LAANE and its leadership have received numerous honors, including awards from the Mayor of Los Angeles, the Speaker of the California Assembly, the UCLA School of Law and the Los Angeles Roman Catholic Archdiocese.