WE ARE A COALITION DEDICATED TO MAKING LOS ANGELES A MORE EQUITABLE, REPRESENTATIVE, AND RESPONSIVE DEMOCRACY
Our Mission
To strengthen community democracy in Los Angeles through inclusive deliberative processes such as civic assemblies.
(Click here to learn one way we do this.)
Steering Committee
Alex Levy
Alex Levy designs democracy programs and facilitates workshops that bring together diverse residents to bridge divides and shape solutions. In Los Angeles, she co-leads PDLA's efforts to advance civic assemblies and serves as a Braver Angels moderator fostering conversations across political differences. Nationally, she leads Better Together America’s learning program, helping Civic Hub leaders connect, share knowledge, and scale local solutions. Her work builds on more than a decade of international experience in civic engagement. She holds a Master's degree from George Washington University and Bachelor's degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan.
Melina Perez
Melina Perez hails from South Central LA and is Co-Lead at PDLA where she drives strategic direction and champions efforts to strengthen democracy and promote civic engagement. With a background in public policy and international affairs, she brings extensive experience in advocacy and strategic engagement. Melina is passionate about advancing democracy reform initiatives that build inclusive political participation. A first generation college graduate, she holds a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara and Master of Public Policy from the Hertie School and is committed to fostering systemic change through participatory governance and grassroots engagement.
Wayne Liebman
Wayne Liebman is a physician, playwright, and community organizer. In 2020, he founded Public Access Democracy to advocate for a democratic system more representative of, and responsive to, its citizens. Public Access Democracy seeks to invest political power in deliberative citizen groups chosen by lot -- just as juries are. As a result of Public Access Democracy’s advocacy efforts, the city of Petaluma, California, has convened the first municipal citizens’ assembly in the state, to recommend a plan for the future use of its municipal fairground--a contentious issue that had been plaguing the city for several years. In 2022, he co-founded PDLA with the mission of catalyzing civic assemblies in L.A.
Friends and Partners
