AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
September 24, 2024

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


AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Ray Sosa - Chief Planning Officer, METRO



AIA|LA CITY LEADERS BREAKFAST RECEPTIONS

These roundtable discussions allow architects & designers and other community stakeholders to meet directly with key individuals transforming Los Angeles in a roundtable setting to discuss innovative ideas to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and economically competitive future.

On Thursday, September 19 we met with Ray Sosa – Chief Planning Officer, METRO to discuss ideas and opportunities for AIA Los Angeles to collaborate more often with METRO and to help advance the priorities they are working on, especially as we prepare the region for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics.

We are truly grateful to Ray Sosa and METRO for everything they are doing to connect Angelenos and bring communities closer together! Also, thank you to HDR for hosting and Gannett Fleming for sponsoring the annual AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series.

PROSPECTIVE NEXT STEPS:

  1. Communication and Outreach:

    • Develop a strategic communication plan to engage with the community and stakeholders.
    • Enhance cultural competency among contractors to foster better connections with the neighborhood.

  2. Operational Challenges:

    • Address staffing shortages and cost increases to ensure efficient operations.
    • Streamline decision-making processes to expedite project timelines.

  3. 2028 Olympics and Paralympics:

    • Double the bus system to meet increased demand.
    • Coordinate with other agencies to ensure seamless transportation.
    • Establish mobility hubs and temporary event venues.
    • Develop the Olympic Festival Trail.
    • Secure grant funding for wayfinding and signage.
    • Explore the potential of automated buses.
    • Coordinate a system to promote shade equity, urban tree canopy
    • Expand hygiene facilities across METRO’s system

  4. Transit System Improvements:

    • Increase bus reliability and frequency.
    • Implement the Next Gen Bus System.
    • Consider dynamic routing options to address demand fluctuations.

  5. Community Engagement:

    • Develop a reward system to encourage community participation.
    • Explore funding mechanisms to support community engagement initiatives.

Areas for Joint Action:

  • Public Safety and Accessibility: Work together to improve safety and accessibility for all riders.
  • Urban Design and Planning: Collaborate on projects integrating transit with urban development.
  • Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Promote sustainable transportation solutions and reduce the carbon footprint.
  • Economic Development: Explore opportunities to leverage transit to drive economic growth.
  • Equity and Inclusion: Ensure that transit services are accessible and equitable for all communities.

By focusing on these areas and working together, METRO and AIA Los Angeles can create a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable transportation system for the region.

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Questions For Additional Discussion: 

Preparing for the 2028 Olympics & Paralympics

  1. How is the METRO preparing its infrastructure and services to accommodate the expected increase in ridership during the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics?
  2. Are there any specific projects or initiatives being undertaken to improve accessibility and mobility for visitors and athletes during the Games?

Major Projects

  1. What is the current status of the METRO K Line Northern Extension project, and what are the anticipated completion timelines?
  2. Can you provide an update on the progress of the Southeast Gateway Line project and its potential impact on regional connectivity?
  3. What are the latest developments regarding the Sepulveda Pass Transit Corridor project, and what challenges or opportunities are associated with it?

Joint Development Program

  1. How is the METRO’s Joint Development Program progressing, and what are the key strategies for maximizing the potential of transit-oriented development (TOD)?
  2. What are the challenges and opportunities in attracting private sector investment in TOD projects?

Housing and Transit

  1. How is METRO contributing to the City of Los Angeles’ goal of building 10,000 units of affordable housing near transit stations?
  2. Are there any innovative strategies or partnerships being explored to increase housing affordability and accessibility near transit?

Regional Integration

  1. How is METRO working with other regional transportation agencies and stakeholders to improve connectivity and regional mobility?
  2. What is the role of high-speed rail in METRO’s long-term vision for transportation in Los Angeles?

Public Engagement and Architectural Involvement

  1. How is METRO engaging with the public and stakeholders to gather input on its planning and development initiatives?
  2. Are there opportunities for architects to become more involved in the early stages of METRO’s planning processes?
  3. How can METRO leverage the expertise of architects to enhance the design and functionality of its transit infrastructure?

 

 (8am – 9:30am) = RSVP HERE.

Peggy M. Quijada de Franke – Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) of Facilities, Planning and Sustainability, Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)

Friday, September 20 (8am – 9:30am) = RSVP HERE.



AIA|LA & 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:

Oct 1, 2024 (10:00 AM)
Oct 8, 2024 (10:00 AM)
Oct 15, 2024 (10:00 AM)

Join us here w/ RSVP to gain zoom access.

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