The County and City of Los Angeles announced a $2.8 million investment for 280 carts to donate to street vendors.

“This is the result of the advocacy, organizing, and participation of street vendors so that the city and county would invest in the infrastructure needed for them to comply with legal requirements and not be criminalized,” said Sergio Jimenez, a vendor organizer street vendors from the Community Power Collective.

“We waited two years for these carts, but we finally got them,” said the leader.

He stated that when street vending was legalized in 2018, there were no permits or carts, so they had to work on different ordinances to create the infrastructure that would allow vendors to offer their food on the streets without being penalized.

“At first, only carts for selling fruit were made, but today we also have carts for tamales, popsicles, and wardrobe-type carts for hot dogs and other foods. Designing the carts for street vendors has been quite a process,” he said.

He specified that the carts that the city and county of Los Angeles will give to the street vendors will be free, which is a great relief because they are very expensive.

“The wardrobe-type carts cost up to $20,000,” he emphasized.

The street vendor organizer expressed satisfaction that one of the largest cities in the United States has invested in infrastructure that never existed. before, hasn't given up, and is supporting street vendors, giving back some of what they have invested in the economy.

“With the launch of the Sidewalk Cart Vendor Program, the County is ensuring that working families have greater access to opportunities, while also guaranteeing a path to micro-entrepreneurship and the formal economy,” stated Hilda Solis, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board and Supervisor of the First Ward.

“Many vendors are going through increasingly difficult and uncertain times due to the severe federal immigration measures, “And we know they play an essential role in the economic and cultural vitality of Los Angeles County,” he said this investment is more than a program: “It's an opportunity to support small business growth, economic stability,and even generational wealth.” The cart donation is part of a broader Los Angeles County initiative to support low-income entrepreneurs and strengthen economic inclusion. Support is offered in English, Spanish, and other common languages ??in Los Angeles County to ensure equitable access and successful participation. created by working families, micro-entrepreneurs, and immigrants who never stopped supporting their communities, even when the system “It wasn't designed for them,” stated Holly J. Mitchell, supervisor of the Second Ward. "Today we are changing that story. By providing free, health code-compliant carts and removing cost barriers, we are ensuring that our laws include real pathways for vendors to thrive in the formal economy. This is what inclusive economic development looks like." We connect with people where they are, honor their work, and invest in their success.”

The $2.8 million investment covers the cost of manufacturing the carts, community-level technical assistance, and operational support for obtaining permits and regulatory compliance.

The funding comes from a combination of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and local appropriations from both the County and the City, thanks to proposals submitted by Supervisors Solis and Mitchell and approved by the Board of Supervisors in November 2021, October 2023, and September 2024.

“This program goes beyond equipment; it's about economic equity,” said Kelly LoBianco, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health.

“Street vendors are vital to our communities, our culture, and our local economies. With this initiative, we are enabling hundreds of hardworking vendors to operate safely, legally, and sustainably. manufactured for the first round of awards, and 40 carts with integrated grills in production.

While the wait time from application to cart delivery will vary depending on cart availability and County and City permit approvals, applicants can expect up to 12 weeks, and the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) will provide regular updates on awards and distribution.

More information about the Sidewalk Vending Cart Program and application assistance can be found at: opportunity.lacounty.gov/sidewalkvendingcarts