Utilizing qualitative research to support and sustain environmental justice efforts in Boyle Heights

In Boyle Heights, a predominantly Hispanic/Latino neighborhood, residents face disproportionate exposure to toxic air pollution, which is linked to chronic illnesses like asthma and heightened mortality risks.  

Seeking to address these health disparities, the Natural Park Air Pollution Solution, a project that brought together community members in Boyle Heights, many of whom have deep ties to the neighborhood, to develop strategies for air pollution mitigation.  

A recent study published in the journal Environmental Justice explored what motivated these organizers and the hurdles they faced in their civic engagement efforts. The study findings highlight that civic engagement is influenced by factors at multiple levels—personal, interpersonal, organizational, and community-based. Addressing barriers and leveraging strengths at each of these levels can enable residents of marginalized neighborhoods like Boyle Heights to advocate more effectively for environmental justice. 

A team of public health researchers co-authored the study, including Brittany Morey, Sora Park Tanjasiri, and Alana LeBrón—faculty members in the Department of Health, Society, & Behavior at the UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health—alongside Connie Valencia, the corresponding author and a recent Wen Public Health alumna who graduated from the PhD in Public Health program.  

The team conducted qualitative interviews with more than 20 participants, all of whom were connected to the Natural Park Air Pollution Solution project and were current or former residents of Boyle Heights. Utilizing a flexible coding method, the study revealed four themes related to project involvement: (a) personal factors and civic engagement, (b) interpersonal relationships, (c) organizational support, and (d) community-based resources. 

This study serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication of communities fighting for cleaner air. It also underscores the need for sustained investments in grassroots initiatives and systemic support to ensure all neighborhoods have the resources they need to thrive.”

– Connie Valencia, PhD

For many, the desire to protect their families and neighbors was a powerful motivator. However, personal responsibilities, such as balancing work and caregiving, often made sustained engagement difficult. Despite these challenges, interpersonal relationships within the community served as a critical source of encouragement and support. 

Organizational backing also played a significant role. Through the project, organizers gained valuable training, access to information, and opportunities to develop leadership skills. These resources helped participants feel empowered and equipped to take action. Moreover, partnerships with local organizations and elected officials offered crucial support in advancing their advocacy goals. 

“By addressing barriers and harnessing strengths at every level, residents of neighborhoods like Boyle Heights—disproportionately impacted by pollution—can be better empowered to advocate for environmental justice,” explains Morey who served as Dr. Valencia’s mentor during her doctoral degree. 

“This study serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication of communities fighting for cleaner air. It also underscores the need for sustained investments in grassroots initiatives and systemic support to ensure all neighborhoods have the resources they need to thrive,” added Valencia who is now a Sustainability Solutions Community Engagement Fellow with Keck School of Medicine of USC. 

Additional authors include Dalia Calva and Ernesto Cortes from University of California, Irvine; Lindsay Donaldson from Claremont Graduate University; and Ruth Rodriquez and Lucy Herrera from Legacy LA.  

This material is based on work supported by NIH under Prime Award no. UL1 TR001414 and The Regents of the University of California. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NIH, The Regents of the University of California, or the ICTS.