Koreatown, Mid-City, Mid-Wilshire, and Westlake are densely populated, diverse neighborhoods west of Downtown Los Angeles, located within the South Coast Air Quality Management District. These communities are home to large Hispanic and Asian American populations. Residents face some of the worst air quality in California, with major pollution concerns stemming from heavy traffic, industrial facilities, and ongoing construction. These conditions contribute to high rates of asthma and other respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, especially among children and seniors. 

The district has teamed up with Aclima and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to launch a community air monitoring project to guiding future actionsas a part of SMMI. Using Aclima’s advanced sensors, the project collects detailed, block-by-block data on air quality throughout the community. This provides residents with clear information about local pollution and helps guide actions to improve air quality, focusing on the areas and people most affected.

In April of 2025, local residents and stakeholders met to discuss these pressing air quality challenges and discuss strategies for healthier, more equitable neighborhoods.