Dear Friends and Colleagues, Join us in reading May's issue of The Collaboration. This month's issue follows a couple of important issues- dedicated bus lanes along Wilshire Boulevard, TLUC's success in public outreach, LA's commitment to "Do Real Planning", and information on upcoming events. Sincerely,
NewsLos Angeles Approves Bus Only Lanes and Considers Other Transportation Alternatives As the debate over transit and congestion relief continues, the L.A. City Council has taken a promising step forward in promoting a viable transit alternative along the Wilshire Corridor. The following summarizes some of the latest developments and provides links to local media coverage on the issue. Transportation advocates, political leaders and the community have, for some time, been asking the City and the Metropolitan Transit Authority to invest in alternative methods of congestion relief, aimed at getting the people of LA out of their cars and onto reliable public transit (LA Times). Two differing proposals offer solutions to L.A.'s transportation crisis, showing signs of progress and concern. On May 2, 2007 the L.A. City Council approved a proposal to create designated bus-only lanes during peak hours along Wilshire Boulevard (LA Times). The decision reflects the type of transportation policies needed throughout the City and Region. The proposal is seen as a cost effective, short-term solution to improving mobility along Wilshire while 'permanent solutions" are further explored. Still looming is another proposed transportation fix presented by LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky's which suggests turning Pico and Olympic Boulevards into one-way streets (LA Times). While the proposal suggests that one-ways streets would move a higher volume of vehicles, it fails to recognize the longer term effects of turning Pico and Olympic Boulevards into higher speed motorist corridors. This would only hamper recent attempts by the City of L.A. to "Do Real Planning" and design active streets where people and cars can co-exist. Such a proposal fashions similar policies that have made Los Angeles the automobile oriented City it is today. As planners and transportation advocates grapple with accommodating the projected 12 million people who will inhabit the County in the next 25 years*, mobility is and should be a top concern. To meet this challenge, proposals must deliver viable transit alternatives and encourage active, livable communities where people can walk, bike, live, shop, and efficiently access public transit. *Source: LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 2007
L.A. Promotes 14 Steps for More Effective Planning The city is taking a new direction in planning. Following the lead of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Planning Director Gail Goldberg, the L.A. City Planning Commission has developed a set of guiding principles to take on the challenge. They have identified 14 steps to Do Real Planning in a document that outlines a strategy for comprehensive land use planning throughout the city.
Governor's Budget Proposes Setbacks for Transit Funding Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's new budget proposal for California would severely impact state and local funding for transit (Sac Bee). The proposed budget calls for $1.3 Billion in statewide cuts to public transportation, an increase from the Governor's original budget proposal in January. Transit agencies and advocates throughout California are raising concern. Many transit agencies explained that the cuts would stall proposed projects and may require more drastic measures such as fare increases and reduced services. The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, already dealing with budgetary issues, may face even greater challenges in maintaining and expanding public transit services if the proposed budget is approved. The budget would cut $230 Million in expected funds for transit projects in LA County (Daily News). At a time when the MTA is racing to meet the transportation demands of the County, the Governor's proposed budget could cause major setbacks. Diverting funding from public transit would also hinder California's efforts to address global warming. As California aims to lead the country in combating climate change, the proposed cuts to public transit contradict political efforts to address global warming. Earlier this week, the Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, unveiled his "green plan" to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 35% by 2030 (LA Times). If the Governor and policy makers are serious about fighting global warming, providing funding for public transportation must be apart of the plan.
City of South Gate and TLUC to Receive the 2007 Los Angeles American Planning Association Public Outreach Award
Over the course of the General Plan, TLUC has led the outreach efforts, engaging the community in comprehensive visioning and participatory land use planning. Community engagement in South Gate was designed to be interactive and inclusive. Hundreds of community members have participated in the process including, city officials, staff, community organizations, local businesses and residents. TLUC's Executive Director, Monica Villalobos notes that "Latinos, like all other residents in Southern California, need to be involved in planning for the future of their communities. South Gate is one example where a commitment to participatory planning and real outreach has proven to make a difference." In a Press Release by the City of South Gate, Mayor, Bill De Witt stated, "Never before have I seen such overwhelming support for planning in the City of South Gate. We are excited that the community is committed to working with the city to develop a vision for change. The General Plan Update provides the framework to do just that." The City of South Gate and TLUC will receive the Public Outreach Award at the 2007 LA APA Planning Awards Reception on Tuesday, June 12th. For more information on the awards banquet visit www.la-apa.org
Upcoming Events:Inclusionary Housing: Join the National Debate! May 23rd Join the debate on May 23rd. Listen to national experts talk about successful and unsuccessful examples of inclusionary housing. The event will take place from 12:30 -2:30 at the following venue: Psomas Offices The program costs $20 which includes a boxed lunch, participation in the conference and parking. Anyone interested email Michael Laughlin: mlaughlin@psomas.com. Lunch will take place from 12:30-1:00, and the conference will begin at 1:00.
Southern California Association for Governments (SCAG) hosts the 7th Annual Regional Housing Summit on Thursday, May 24, 2007 beginning at 8:00am -2:30pm. Themed "Beyond Gridlock: A Housing Blueprint for Southern California," the program will feature several workshops addressing issues of affordable housing and transportation planning. Thursday, May 24, 2007 To register and find out more about the event » 2007 Westside Prize On Friday, June 8th the Westside Urban Forum will award its 2007 Westside Prize. The focus of this year's event is the small developer, whose "work embodies the possibilities of good development." Along with the recipient of that award, the Westside Urban Forum will also present the Urban Visionary Award to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for his contributions to urban planning.
24th Annual Smith-Babcock-Williams Student Writing Competition APA is sponsoring a writing competition for planning and law students. The first place winner will receive a $2500 award. Students will be asked to answer a question dealing with planning law. Students interested in the competition are encouraged to apply. The deadline to submit all required documents is June 8th, 2007. For full details on the competition »
LA-APA Awards Ceremony June 12th On June 12th, 2007, the Los Angeles APA chapter will host their annual awards ceremony at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in downtown LA. Join the LA- APA for an evening of planning excellence in Los Angeles. |
The Los Angeles' APA chapter proudly announced on Friday, April 28 2007, that the City of South Gate and TLUC will receive the 2007 LA APA Public Outreach Award. The First Place award recognizes the City's commitment to Public Outreach in the General Plan Update. The 
7th Annual Regional Housing Summit