Understanding campaign contributions: a practical guide for community action
At The Frontline Observer and Pitzer College, we believe journalism is not just about reporting — it’s about equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to understand how power operates in their lives.
This guide was developed as part of our Pavement Politics project, which investigates the political, economic, and environmental forces driving the unchecked growth of warehouse development in our region.
What We Learned
Through the first installment of Pavement Politics, we uncovered that:
- Residents believe political campaign donations are a key strategy warehouse-related developers use to secure political backing for warehouse projects.
- Many residents feel that local warehouse approvals are rubber-stamped, with little opportunity for meaningful community input.
- Community members are working within an already compromised system — one where financial influence often outweighs public concern.
Why This Guide Exists
This guide aims to help residents, students, and advocates:
- Understand how campaign contributions shape local decisions about warehouses, land use, and environmental health.
- Learn how to research political donations and identify the players influencing local politics.
- Discover practical steps to engage in the civic process, including contributing to campaigns, advocating for transparency, and holding local officials accountable.
Who This Is For
This resource is designed for:
- Residents affected by warehouse expansion and looking for tools to push back.
- Students and young leaders who want to deepen their understanding of local political dynamics.
- Community organizations and advocates working toward environmental justice and economic accountability.
Why Journalism Is Part of the Solution
Good journalism doesn’t just reveal problems — it helps communities navigate them. By connecting investigative reporting with civic tools, we hope to:
- Bridge the gap between information and action.
- Support media literacy that empowers residents, not just informs them.
- Strengthen community capacity to engage with political systems and demand better.
Access a PDF of our Campaign Contributions Guide
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Editorial Team
Christopher Salazar