“The City of Los Angeles is at a pivotal point in its history. Over the last ten years, many positive changes have taken place. With thousands of new lofts and LA Live, Downtown is now thriving. The revitalization of Hollywood is a success story that shows what visionary leadership and strategic redevelopment can accomplish. All across the City, mixed use development that combines multi-family housing with ground floor commercial is the new norm. With the passage of Measure R in 2008, the region is making an unprecedented investment in its rail transit system. Much as the freeway system defined Los Angeles in the 20th Century, the creation of a true regional transit network has the potential to redefine Los Angeles in the 21st. While the City faces many challenges, from creating new jobs and building enough affordable housing, to repairing our streets, maintaining effective public services, and providing adequate infrastructure, there is reason for optimism.
On January 1, 2014, a new Department of City Planning and Development goes into effect that will unify the City’s planning, development services, and permitting functions. Along with the new Economic and Workforce Development Department, which was launched on July 1st of this year, the potential to improve the City’s business climate by eliminating bottlenecks and improving customer service has never been greater. Coordinating the work programs of these two Departments can create public-private partnerships and synergies that will facilitate the creation of thousands of new high-tech and green jobs, laying the foundation for a 21st Century economy. BuildLA, the long-anticipated web-based permitting system, will revolutionize the way the City does business with everyone who invests and builds in Los Angeles, from homeowners and small business owners to large corporations and developers.”
Table of Contents of What’s Happening in Planning 2013
Full Report: What’s Happening in Planning 2013
Part I – Introduction
Part II – Overview of City Planning in Los Angeles
Part III – Recent Accomplishments
Part IV – What’s Happening in 2013-14
