AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
April 1, 2025
Palisades Recovery Coalition - March 25, 2025



Palisades Recovery Coalition – March 25, 2025

A recent meeting organized by the Palisades Recovery Coalition (and hosted by The Department of Angels and the Snap Foundation) brought together Palisades residents with Mayor Karen Bass, Steve Soboroff, Army Corp of Engineers Lt. Col. Nathaniel Weander, the Hagerty Consulting team, and City Councilmember Traci Park to discuss the rebuilding efforts following the recent wildfire crisis.

The discussion fostered a sense of progress and assurance that the residents of the Palisades community will be central to the rebuilding process. Following this, a plan developed over four community meetings focused on the logistical facets of recovery has been drafted. The Hagerty Consulting team will conduct outreach, and Councilwoman Park and her team have reviewed and supported the Palisades Recovery Coalitions Draft Plan, which they aim to present to the Pacific Palisades Community Council on April 10th. The group will also meet with Senator Ben Allen on April 15th to discuss updates to the State perspective and relevant legislation.

Key Takeaways:

  • A positive and informative meeting occurred with key city and recovery stakeholders.
  • Unequivocal assurance was given that Palisadians will be integral to the rebuilding process.
  • A general sense of forward momentum has been achieved by the grassroots group.
  • A draft recovery and rebuilding plan has been developed after four community meetings.
  • The plan focuses on various logistical aspects for a smooth recovery start.
  • The Hagerty team will be conducting outreach to the community.
  • Six community-led committees have been formed to address specific recovery areas.
  • Councilwoman Traci Park and her team have reviewed, discussed, and shared support for the draft plan.
  • The plan will be presented to the Pacific Palisades Community Council on April 10th.
  • Feedback and comments on the draft plan are being solicited before April 10th.
  • A meeting with Senator Ben Allen is scheduled for April 15th to discuss the State perspective and legislation.
  • The collective work of over 80 Palisadians in developing the plan is considered impressive and necessary for public confidence.
  • The community is committed to supporting each other throughout the recovery.

Empowering Design: Navigating and Leveraging the New Zoning Code

The new DTLA 2024 zoning code, which includes the Downtown Community Plan, went into effect on January 27, 2025.  It will apply to other areas of Los Angeles as each new community plan is updated on an ongoing basis.

To learn more about the new zoning code and how it will apply to projects in the Downtown LA area, AIA|LA invites you to an essential, interactive virtual workshop on Tuesday, April 23rd at 10:00 AM, presented in direct collaboration with Los Angeles City Planning.

This isn’t just another Zoom meeting – it’s your chance to gain an insider’s understanding of the New Zoning Code’s structure and content directly from the experts who crafted it. Join Senior City Planner Erick Lopez, the driving force behind this transformative code, and City Planner Veena Snehansh, a key contributor to both the New Zoning Code and the Downtown Community Plan.

In this dynamic workshop, you will:

  • Demystify the New Code: Gain clarity on its organization and key regulations.
  • Master the Interactive Portal: Learn practical skills to effectively utilize the web-based Zoning Code for project research.
  • Unlock Project Potential: Develop strategies to confidently determine project feasibility under the new guidelines.
  • Identify Design Opportunities: Discover how the New Zoning Code can be a catalyst for innovative and impactful design solutions.
  • Engage Directly with City Planners: Participate in an extensive Q&A session to get your specific questions answered by Erick Lopez and Veena Snehansh.

This is your exclusive opportunity to get ahead of the curve, directly engage with the City’s leading planning experts, and ensure your projects thrive under the new regulations.

Don’t miss this FREE, invaluable workshop! Advance RSVP is required.

FEATURED EXPERTS:

  • Erick Lopez – Senior City Planner, New Code Implementation Section, Los Angeles City Planning (Architect of the New Zoning Code)
  • Veena Snehansh – City Planner, New Code Implementation Section, Los Angeles City Planning (Key Contributor to New Code & Downtown Community Plan)

REGISTER NOW to secure your spot.  It’s free w/ advance RSVP.

Prepare for the Workshop with these Resources:

We look forward to empowering you with the knowledge and skills to navigate and leverage the New Zoning Code for a more vibrant and well-designed Los Angeles.


PROJECT RECOVERY:  Rebuilding Los Angeles after the January 2025 Wildfires

Urban Land Institute – Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles Ziman Center, and University of Southern California, Lusk Center convened a multidisciplinary working group of architects, real-estate professionals, land-use attorneys, and civic leaders to development an extensive set of recommendations for how region can best repond to the tragic wildfires of early 2025.

CLICK HERE to read the report.

 

 

 



AIA in CALIFORNIA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The following programs and meetings will help architects gain access and insight into best practices with fire-resilient design.  Please review the schedule below and make plans to join as many of these sessions as you have time to attend.

Wednesday, April 2 (12pm) *On Webex
Recovery & Rebuilding (City of Los Angeles)
Q&A w/ LADWP Development Services
Monday, April 7 (10am) *On Zoom
REHOUSING LOS ANGELES: An LA Fire Rebuild Update
This webinar is organized by The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Housing and Community Development KC.
Please join us for this discussion on April 7th and hear from architects working on rebuild solutions after the LA fires with AIA Los Angeles, AIA Pasadena & Foothill, National Organization for Minority Architects, and The Foothill Catalog Foundation. The discussion will be led by Kathleen Dorgan and Femi Olamijulo with panelists Jessica Orlando, AIA, DBIA, WELL AP, Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC, Mohamed Sharif, AIA RIBA, Alex Athenson, AIA, and Simon Ha, AIA, LEED AP.
Wednesday, April 9 (12pm – 1pm) *on Zoom
Fire Response Session 3 | Landscape & Defensible Space: Designing for Fire Safety
Wednesday, April 23 (12-1pm) *on Zoom
Fire Response Session 4 | “Nothing About Us, Without Us, Is for Us” – Altadena, from the Ground Up
w/ R. Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC, a Past President of NOMA, in conversation with Charles T. Bryant, AIA, NOMA, a Past President of AIA Pasadena & Foothill. 
May 8 (12pm – 1pm) *on Zoom
Fire Response Session 5 | Rebuilding Infrastructure: Long-Term Community Resilience
RSVP HERE = link to be added
May 22 (12pm – 1pm) *on Zoom
Fire Response Session 6 | Rebuilding Equitably: Community-Driven Models for Post-Wildfire Recovery
RSVP HERE = link to be added
DATE TBD (12pm – 1pm) *on Zoom
Fire Response Session 7 |Housing Rights & Assistance: Supporting Displaced Residents
RSVP HERE = link to be added
DATE TBD (12pm – 1pm) *on Zoom
The Insurance Crisis in Response to Wildfires in California – New Models & Ways Forward 
RSVP HERE = link to be added
And more programs, initiatives, and activities to be added as needed!
 
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE AIA IN CALIFORNIA DISASTER ASSISTANCE PLAN

Architects: Your Expertise is Needed Now!

The recent wildfires have devastated our communities, and the need for skilled architects to guide the rebuilding process is more critical than ever. You can make a direct impact right now.

By registering with both the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, you’ll become a vital resource for homeowners seeking to rebuild their lives. Your expertise will help streamline the process, ensuring safe, resilient, and beautiful new homes and communities.

Take Action Today:

  • Register with the City of Los Angeles Burea of Contract Administration: [CLICK HERE]
  • Register with Los Angeles County Public Works: [CLICK HERE]

Your registration will help connect you with directly with homeowners who need your skills. Be a part of the solution. Rebuild with us.

DO YOU HAVE IDEAS FOR IMPROVING THE REBUILDING PROCESS? Share your valuable insights with LA County Public Works to help shape critical rebuilding policies: [CLICK HERE]

For more context on the County’s initiatives, please review the  Eaton & Palisades Fire Recovery webpage.

Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient Los Angeles.

Architects: Help Shape the Future of LA Permitting!

The City of Los Angeles needs your expertise to improve the BuildLA permitting portal. Your feedback will directly impact the functionality and user experience of this critical tool for architects and the entire building community.

Take Action Now:

  1. Log in to the BuildLA Customer Portal: https://buildlacore.lacity.org/customerportal
  2. Explore the portal’s features: Create projects, add team members, link permits and services.
  3. Provide your feedback: Use the “Submit Feedback” link under “Help” within the portal to share your insights on the portal’s functionality, user-friendliness, and any areas for improvement.

Your feedback is crucial for:

  • Streamlining the permitting process: Help make the process more efficient and intuitive for everyone.
  • Improving collaboration: Enhance the portal’s ability to support teamwork and communication.
  • Enhancing the user experience: Ensure the portal is user-friendly and meets the needs of architects and other building professionals.

Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of permitting in Los Angeles. Your input will help create a more efficient and effective system for all.

Questions or recommendations? Contact Will Wright and/or Sonia Nanda – BuildLA Sr. Project Manager at the City of Los Angeles..

Thank you for your valuable contribution!

 


> AIA CA Collective Action for Wildfire Recovery

The AIA LA & LACP Professional Volunteer Program (PVP)

Architects & designers passionate about improving the design quality of newly proposed projects throughout the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to participate in the Professional Volunteer Program (PVP), which is a collaborative design review program organized by AIA LA & Los Angeles City Planning (LACP)’s Urban Design Studio.

This year we will be coordinating thirty-one virtual design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for architects and designers to help the Los Angeles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout our City.

April 1 (10am)

April 8 (10am)

April 15 (10am)

RSVP HERE (virtual on zoom)

Design Review Sessions w/ LACP Urban Design Studio 2025

UNPLAN LA_Transitional Height

 

 


 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
t: 213.639.0764
e: will@aialosangeles.org
www.aialosangeles.org