From the desk of Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director of Government & Public Affairs

Developing a roadmap to establish a Citywide Circular Economy Strategy

In November 2023, AIA Los Angeles was invited to participate in the Los Angeles City Sprint, a series of workshops organized by the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and the World Economic Forum.

The workshops served as forums to explore strategies to advance policies and programs that can help lower embodied carbon.  As an outcome of these workshops, four collaborative working groups were launched and have been actively meeting in 2024.

+ Innovation Hub For Clean Construction
+ Executive Order For Clean Construction
+ Low Carbon Code
+ Citywide Circular Economy Strategy

The two groups that AIA Los Angeles is helping to lead are:

+ Advancing a comprehensive low-carbon code
+ Developing a roadmap to establish a Citywide Circular Economy Strategy

With regards to the low carbon code, we are gaining momentum on our City Council motion to advance WBLCA’s for projects of a certain size.  More on that later. The motion will next be reviewed by the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee.

In the meantime, a small group of us have been meeting to discuss the initial steps towards building a circular economy.

Based on some research, I’ve done – here’s a summary of recommended next steps:

Los Angeles has a transformative opportunity to shift towards a circular economy. A comprehensive initiative is needed to propel this transition, grounded in stakeholder engagement and data-driven analysis.

This initiative should begin with a feasibility study and stakeholder engagement to map the current landscape, identify key players, and assess potential benefits. Next, a strategic plan with clear goals, actionable steps, and responsible parties should be established, focusing on areas like product design, infrastructure, business support, and public education. Securing funding through grants, partnerships, and innovative models is crucial, alongside the launch of pilot projects to demonstrate viability and attract wider support. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will ensure adaptation and improvement, ensuring the initiative delivers lasting environmental, economic, and social benefits for Los Angeles.

By leveraging existing resources, exploring collaboration opportunities, and actively engaging stakeholders, Los Angeles can build a circular economy that fosters a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Summary of Resources and Recommendations for a Circular Economy in Los Angeles:

1. Made Again (Space10):

• Summary: This project showcases a prototype of a self-sufficient, circular city where residents make and remake products locally and sustainably. It highlights the importance of local production, waste reduction, and community involvement.
• Recommendation: Consider implementing pilot projects inspired by Made Again in underutilized areas of Los Angeles, fostering local production, job creation, and community engagement.

2. Fab Lab Barcelona (Fab City):

• Summary: This initiative aims to transform Barcelona into a self-sufficient city through local fabrication, using open-source tools and designs. It emphasizes education, collaboration, and community empowerment.
• Recommendation: Explore establishing Fab Lab-like spaces in various Los Angeles neighborhoods, providing access to tools and resources for local manufacturing and innovation, promoting self-sufficiency and community collaboration.

3. Fab City Network:

• Summary: This global network connects cities implementing Fab City principles, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• Recommendation: Join the Fab City Network to learn from other cities’ experiences, share best practices, and attract potential collaborators for circular economy projects in Los Angeles.

4. Circular Economy Coalition:

• Summary: This organization advocates for policy changes and business practices that promote circularity. They offer resources, tools, and case studies.
• Recommendation: Leverage the Circular Economy Coalition’s resources to inform policy development, connect with experts, and identify best practices for implementing circular economy principles in Los Angeles.

5. Demolition Permit Data (City of Los Angeles):

• Summary: This open data resource provides information on demolition permits issued in Los Angeles.
• Recommendation: Analyze demolition permit data to identify opportunities for material reuse and diversion, informing policies and strategies for promoting a circular construction sector in Los Angeles.

Overall Recommendations:

• Develop a comprehensive circular economy strategy: This should include specific goals, targets, and action plans for different sectors, considering social, economic, and environmental aspects.
• Implement policies and incentives: Encourage circular practices through mandatory reuse and recycling ordinances, circular procurement policies, tax breaks, and subsidies for circular businesses.
• Invest in infrastructure and skills development: Support local production and repair facilities, provide training for circular economy jobs, and establish Fab Lab-like spaces.
• Foster community engagement and education: Raise awareness about circularity, empower residents to participate, and ensure all communities benefit from the transition.
• Collaborate and learn from others: Partner with organizations like Fab City Network, engage with other cities implementing circular economy strategies and share best practices.

By implementing these recommendations and drawing inspiration from the provided resources, Los Angeles can move towards a more robust, inclusive, resilient, and equitable circular economy.

If you’d like to get more directly involved with this effort, please reach out to me at will@aialosangeles.org and share your ideas and resources with me.

LACP Design Review Sessions

In 2024, we will coordinate thirty-six 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 the City.

Upcoming sessions include:

Tuesday, March 5 (10am – 12pm)

Tuesday, March 12 (10am – 12pm)

Tuesday, March 19 (10am – 12pm)

Join us here w/ RSVP to gain zoom access.

We are delighted to announce that in addition to our quarterly series of meetings confirmed with LADBS (see schedule below), we have also confirmed a series of workshop meetings with LADWP leadership to address ideas to improve development services.

RSVP to each meeting below and share with me at will@aialosangeles.org the specific issues, recommendations, and/or questions you’d like for us to add to the agenda.

1. Wednesday, March 13 (12pm – 1pm)
2. Wednesday, June 5 (12pm – 1pm)
3. Wednesday, September 11 (12pm – 1pm)
4. Wednesday, December 4 (12pm – 1pm)

More Context:

For the past 24+ months, AIA Los Angeles and LADWP have been organizing a quarterly series of roundtable discussions, which serve as an opportunity to further connect the architecture community and LADWP development services personnel. These quarterly roundtables help to establish a more collaborative partnership and facilitate opportunities to identify solutions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

Tired of deciphering cryptic code updates and navigating bureaucratic labyrinths? It’s time to take the reins! Register now for our exclusive quarterly meetings with the General Manager of Los Angeles Building and Safety and be the architect of your own informed future.

Join us to have:

+ Direct access to LADBS leadership: Get your questions answered straight from the source. Answers in real time!
+ The inside scoop on building codes and initiatives: Stay ahead of the curve with firsthand insights on new regulations and emerging trends.
+ An opportunity to shape the future of LA’s built environment: Be part of the conversation, advocate for architect-friendly policies, and influence the city’s skyline.
+ To network and build your community: Connect with like-minded professionals, share best practices, and foster meaningful collaborations.

This is your chance to:

+ Elevate your practice: Gain a competitive edge with unparalleled knowledge and insider connections.
+ Build smarter, not harder: Navigate the permitting process with confidence, saving time and resources.
+  Leave your mark on LA: Make a lasting contribution to the city’s architectural legacy.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage, empower, and shape the future of LA’s built environment. Register today!

These will be virtual meetings on zoom.  Click the dates below to register for each session.

1. Monday, February 26 (12pm – 1pm)
2. Monday, May 20 (12pm – 1pm)
3. Monday, September 23 (11am – 12pm)
4. Monday, December 9 (12pm – 1pm)

Let’s build a brighter future together.

Reach out and get more involved!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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

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