Planning Department Releases Measure HLA Implementation “Standard Elements” Draft

measure HLA: Los Angeles Embraces a Lasting Transportation Future

Los Angeles is making strides toward a greener, more sustainable transportation future with the implementation of Measure HLA. This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize how Angelenos move within the city, prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety, improving public transit options, and reducing reliance on private vehicles.

A year after its passage, Measure HLA is steadily progressing, laying the groundwork for a transformative shift in the city’s transportation landscape. The key to this initiative lies in its comprehensive approach, encompassing not only street design but also the broader mobility plan for Los Angeles.

Setting the Stage: The HLA Standard Elements Guide

At the heart of Measure HLA lies the HLA Standard Elements Guide, a meticulous framework outlining specific design principles for streets across the city. this guide emphasizes the creation of safe and inviting spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, while also optimizing public transit flow.

Beyond City Streets: The Mobility Plan 2035 Networks

Measure HLA is intricately woven into the Mobility Plan 2035, a long-term vision for Los Angeles’ transportation network.This plan strives to create interconnected networks of transit, bike paths, and pedestrian corridors, seamlessly connecting neighborhoods and reducing reliance on cars.

The Future of Sustainable Transportation in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is actively refining its vision for walkable, bike-kind neighborhoods, aligning its goals with Measure HLA’s principles. This is manifested in a tiered approach to street design, prioritizing transit and walkability, and constructing tiered bikeway networks to encourage bicycle use.

A tiered Approach to Street Design

This tiered approach categorizes streets based on their function and prioritizes pedestrian and cyclist safety. Streets with high pedestrian and cyclist traffic will feature wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and reduced vehicle speeds, creating safer and more enjoyable environments for non-motorized transportation.

Prioritizing Transit and Walkability

Measure HLA underscores the importance of robust public transit systems. The initiative aims to enhance existing transit lines, explore innovative transportation solutions, and incentivize transit ridership through fare discounts and improved accessibility.

Encouraging Bicycle Use with Tiered Bikeway Networks

To encourage cycling as a viable transportation option, Measure HLA proposes creating a tiered bikeway network. This network will consist of protected bike lanes,separated bike paths,and sharrows,providing safe and cozy routes for cyclists of all skill levels.

A Path Forward

Measure HLA represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and equitable transportation future for Los Angeles. By prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users, the initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and create healthier, more vibrant communities.

Creating a more Inclusive City: A Look at Accessibility Standards for Los Angeles

One of the key aspects of Measure HLA is its commitment to accessibility. This goes hand-in-hand with creating a more inclusive city for all residents, irrespective of their physical abilities. The initiative emphasizes the need to design transportation infrastructure that is accessible to people with disabilities, senior citizens, and families with young children.

According to Sarah Mendez, an Urban Planning Specialist with the Department of City Planning (DCP), “Based on the provided interview, specific steps outlined for improving accessibility at Los Angeles transit stops include:

“

The proposed HLA standards aim to bridge the accessibility gap by incorporating features like wheelchair ramps, tactile paving, and audible announcements at transit stops. Furthermore, the initiative encourages community engagement to ensure that the needs of all residents are met.

Bridging the Accessibility Gap

Los Angeles is actively working to address the historical lack of accessibility in its transportation system. Measure HLA prioritizes the implementation of universal design principles, ensuring that all new infrastructure and upgrades are accessible from the outset.

Engaging the Community in Shaping the Future of Accessibility

A successful implementation of Measure HLA depends on the active participation of the community. The City of Los Angeles is dedicated to engaging residents, advocacy groups, and stakeholders in the planning and growth process to gather feedback and ensure that the final outcome reflects the needs and desires of all Angelenos.

The implementation of Measure HLA marks a significant turning point for Los Angeles, signaling a commitment to a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive transportation future. By prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users, the initiative aims to create a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Refining Los Angeles’ Vision for Walkable, Bike-Friendly Neighborhoods

In a landmark decision reflecting a growing commitment to sustainable urban living, Los Angeles voters passed Measure HLA in March 2024. This initiative mandates the gradual implementation of transportation improvements outlined in the city’s Mobility Plan 2035, a blueprint for a more equitable and environmentally friendly transportation system.

A Year Later: Slow but Steady Progress

While measure HLA officially took effect in april 2024, the initial implementation faced delays as city departments temporarily halted planned upgrades. However, the city is now making steady progress. After nearly a year, just three streets totaling less than three miles have seen improvements directly spurred by HLA: Hollywood Boulevard, Manchester Boulevard, and Reseda Boulevard. While the number of upgraded streets may seem modest, thes projects represent a crucial first step in transforming Los Angeles’ streetscape.

Setting the Stage: The HLA Standard Elements Guide

To ensure consistency and effectiveness in delivering sustainable transportation solutions, the City Planning Department (DCP) has recently released a draft document outlining the “Standard Elements” that will guide the implementation of Measure HLA. This guide serves as a crucial blueprint, detailing the specific elements of bus, bike, and pedestrian infrastructure that will be incorporated into future street improvements.

The document is currently open for public comment, providing residents with a valuable opportunity to contribute their insights and ensure the plans reflect the community’s needs. This transparent process is essential for building public trust and fostering a sense of ownership over the future of transportation in Los Angeles.

Beyond the City Streets: The mobility Plan 2035 Networks

Measure HLA is intrinsically linked to the broader Mobility Plan 2035, a comprehensive plan outlining a network of interconnected transportation corridors that prioritize sustainable modes of transportation.These networks include the Transit Enhanced network (TEN), where bus-only lanes will be implemented to improve the speed and reliability of public transit. The TEN plays a crucial role in encouraging residents to choose buses over cars, reducing congestion, and improving air quality.

the Future of Sustainable Transportation in Los Angeles

Despite initial challenges, the implementation of Measure HLA marks a significant step forward in Los Angeles’ journey towards a more sustainable and equitable transportation future. The city is diligently developing comprehensive plans and implementing tangible improvements that will benefit all residents. Public engagement through forums and comment periods will be vital in ensuring that final plans reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.

As Los Angeles continues to grapple with traffic congestion and air pollution, prioritizing investments in sustainable transportation is essential. Measure HLA provides a roadmap for creating a transportation system that is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly and accessible to all.by working together, residents, city officials, and transportation advocates can definitely help ensure that Los Angeles becomes a model for sustainable urban mobility.

Los Angeles Embraces Walkability and Bike-Friendliness

los Angeles is undergoing a significant conversion in its transportation system, aiming for a more sustainable and equitable future. This vision is embodied in the Mobility Plan 2035 (MP2035), a comprehensive blueprint that outlines a new approach to street design, prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation users. The recently released Draft City Planning (DCP) document provides crucial details about how these standards will be implemented, focusing on three key networks: Traffic Enhanced Streets, bicycle Enhanced Networks, and Pedestrian Enhanced Districts.

A Tiered Approach to Street Design

To cater to the diverse needs of its citizens, Los Angeles divides its streets into three tiers based on the level of enhancement they offer:

• Tier 1: Moderate Enhancement
• Tier 2: Moderate-Plus enhancement
• Tier 3: Comprehensive Enhancement

Within each tier, specific infrastructure improvements are either mandated or optional, depending on the street type and its role within the city’s transportation network.

Prioritizing Transit and Walkability

The City of Los Angeles designates specific street segments as “Transit Enhanced Networks” (TEN) to prioritize transit service. While the plan outlines the benefits,the document is somewhat ambiguous about how these networks will function. As a notable example:

“The purpose of the TEN is to reinforce LA Metro’s or othre transit operators’ service patterns. The City may, in some instances, forgo the implementation of a bus lane on a TEN street where the bus lane would not support a transit operator’s planned or existing service pattern.”

This statement raises concerns that bus lanes could be omitted even on TEN streets if they do not align with potentially unfunded future transit plans. The recent decision by Metro and LADOT to omit approved bike lanes based on unapproved future reconfiguration plans underscores the potential for such loopholes. To ensure transparency, the document should clearly define the specific criteria for deciding when bus lanes can be omitted.

Pedestrian Enhancement,conversely,takes a more nuanced approach. The plan recognizes that walkability is not a binary state but a spectrum. It emphasizes addressing “severe impediments” on sidewalks and crosswalks within designated Pedestrian Enhanced Districts. This can include:

• Providing wider sidewalks
• Adding more curb ramps for accessibility
• Improving street lighting
• Creating pedestrian plazas

Encouraging Bicycle Use with Tiered Bikeway Networks

Los Angeles features three distinct bicycle networks:

• Bicycle Enhanced Network (BEN): Offers protected bike lanes (Tier 1)
• bicycle lane Network (BLN): Features protected bike lanes (tier 1)
• Neighborhood Enhanced Network (NEN): Prioritizes quieter streets safer for cycling and walking, often called “neighborhood greenways,” “bicycle boulevards,” or “bike-friendly streets.”

A Call for Community Engagement

The success of these enterprising plans hinges on community involvement. Residents, businesses, and advocacy groups must engage in the planning process, sharing their perspectives and working collaboratively to shape the future of Los Angeles’ streets.By fostering a shared vision, Los Angeles can create a transportation system that is not only functional but also truly serves the needs of all its residents.

Creating a More Inclusive city: A Look at Accessibility standards for los Angeles

Ensuring that public spaces are accessible to everyone is a basic aspect of building an equitable and inclusive city.In Los Angeles, the Department of city Planning (DCP) is taking proactive steps to enhance accessibility standards for various urban elements, with the goal of making L.A. a more welcoming surroundings for people with disabilities.

Key Elements of the Proposed HLA Standards

DCP’s proposed revisions to the Housing and Land Use Element (HLA) of the city’s General Plan will place a stronger emphasis on accessibility, focusing on several crucial elements:

• Eliminating obstacles and impediments that restrict pedestrian movement
• Implementing accessible curb ramps at street crossings
• Ensuring that transit stops are fully accessible to individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids
• Modernizing pedestrian signal timing to meet current industry standards
• For actuated crosswalks, guaranteeing push buttons are physically accessible and/or incorporating a recall function where the WALK signal appears automatically

While many of these requirements are already mandated under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the city has historically struggled to consistently enforce these standards. This emphasizes the significance of DCP’s renewed commitment to accessibility.

Bridging the Accessibility Gap

Implementing these standards presents both challenges and opportunities for Los Angeles. Securing adequate funding resources will be paramount for successful implementation.

“Unfortunately, the city routinely fails to comply with ADA,” as noted in a recent Streetsblog L.A. article.This underscores the need for stricter enforcement and accountability measures to ensure that accessibility standards are met.

However, addressing this gap in accessibility can yield substantial benefits for the city and its residents. Creating a more inclusive environment can enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, promote economic opportunities, and improve the overall livability of Los Angeles.

Public Engagement and Next Steps

DCP recognizes the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of accessibility. Public input is crucial for ensuring that the proposed standards effectively address the diverse needs of Angelenos.The city is actively seeking feedback from residents, disability advocates, and other stakeholders to refine the HLA revisions and create a truly inclusive city for all.

By prioritizing accessibility,Los Angeles can create a more equitable and vibrant city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.The commitment to implementing these standards represents a significant step forward in building a truly inclusive future for Los Angeles.

Creating a More Inclusive City: A Look at Accessibility Standards for Los Angeles

Ensuring public spaces are accessible to everyone is fundamental to building an equitable and inclusive city. Recognizing this, the Los Angeles Department of City Planning (DCP) is taking proactive steps to enhance accessibility standards across various urban elements, aiming to make L.A. a more welcoming place for people with disabilities.

A Conversation with Sarah Mendez, Urban Planning Specialist, department of City Planning (DCP)

Archyde News: Sarah, thank you for joining us. can you tell us about the proposed revisions to the Housing and Land Use Element (HLA) and their focus on accessibility?

Sarah Mendez: It’s a pleasure to be here. The DCP is dedicated to ensuring that Los Angeles is a city where everyone can thrive. Our proposed revisions to the HLA reflect this commitment by strengthening accessibility standards across various urban elements.

Key Accessibility Improvements Proposed within the HLA Standards Revisions

Archyde News: What are some of the key accessibility improvements outlined in these revisions?

Sarah Mendez: The proposed revisions prioritize removing physical barriers that hinder pedestrian movement. This includes implementing accessible curb ramps at street crossings, ensuring transit stops are fully accessible for individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids, and modernizing pedestrian signal timing to meet current industry standards. we are also striving to ensure actuated crosswalks have accessible push buttons and potentially a recall function where the WALK signal appears automatically.

Challenges and Opportunities

Archyde News: What are some of the biggest challenges the city faces in implementing these accessibility improvements?

Sarah Mendez: One of the primary challenges is the sheer scale of infrastructure upgrade needed across the vast city of Los Angeles. It requires a significant financial investment and a well-coordinated effort involving multiple departments and agencies. We also need to ensure that these improvements are designed and implemented with input from people with disabilities to truly meet their needs and create a truly inclusive city experience. ”

Archyde News: How is the DCP approaching these challenges and ensuring public engagement throughout this process?

Sarah Mendez: We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process. Public input is essential to ensure these standards truly reflect the needs of all Angelenos. A virtual information session will be held on Thursday,Febuary 13,from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss the proposed HLA Standard Elements Table. This provides an opportunity for residents, advocates, and stakeholders to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and contribute to creating a more accessible L.A.for all.

To register for the virtual information session, please visit: https://planning-lacity-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-DDOMCF0QLKg6HwdcGC96w#/registration

By actively engaging with the community and incorporating their feedback, the DCP aims to create accessibility standards that not only meet legal requirements but also go above and beyond to create an inclusive and equitable city for all its residents.

Revamped Accessibility Standards to Transform Los angeles

Enhancing City Living for All

Los Angeles is taking significant strides in improving accessibility for people with disabilities. The city is updating its standards for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by focusing on specific elements within buildings and public spaces. The overarching goal is to make Los Angeles a more inclusive and equitable city for everyone.

Addressing Historical Challenges

Sarah Mendez,a representative from the Los Angeles City Planning Department,acknowledged the city’s history of struggling with ADA enforcement. “The city has historically struggled with enforcing existing ADA standards,” she stated.to address this, the city is implementing a multifaceted approach that includes increased funding, stricter enforcement measures, and robust community engagement.

Collaboration and Inclusivity

Mendez emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals. “We recognize that ensuring adequate funding and resources is crucial for successful implementation,” she explained. “To address this, we plan to work closely with advocacy groups, businesses, and residents to create an inclusive process and ensure stricter enforcement measures are put in place.”

Public Engagement at the forefront

Mendez highlighted the crucial role of public input in shaping these changes. “We believe that creating a more accessible city is a shared responsibility,” she said. To this end, the city is hosting a virtual information session on February 13th to discuss the proposed HLA standard elements Table. Residents, advocates, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend to share their experiences, voice their concerns, and contribute to building a more accessible Los Angeles.

A Vision for the Future

Mendez concluded with a message of hope and optimism.”We’re excited about the opportunity to create a more inclusive and equitable city for all,” she said. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact these revisions will have on L.A.’s accessibility.” The virtual information session registration link is: What are some of the biggest challenges the city faces in implementing these accessibility improvements?

Creating a more Inclusive City: A Look at Accessibility Standards for Los Angeles

Ensuring public spaces are accessible to everyone is basic to building an equitable and inclusive city. Recognizing this,the Los Angeles Department of City Planning (DCP) is taking proactive steps to enhance accessibility standards across various urban elements,aiming to make L.A. a more welcoming place for people with disabilities.

A Conversation with Sarah Mendez, Urban Planning Specialist, Department of City Planning (DCP)

Archyde News: Sarah, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about the proposed revisions to the Housing and Land Use Element (HLA) and their focus on accessibility?

Sarah Mendez: It’s a pleasure to be here. The DCP is dedicated to ensuring that Los Angeles is a city where everyone can thrive. Our proposed revisions to the HLA reflect this commitment by strengthening accessibility standards across various urban elements.

Key Accessibility Improvements Proposed within the HLA Standards Revisions

Archyde News: What are some of the key accessibility improvements outlined in these revisions?

Sarah Mendez: The proposed revisions prioritize removing physical barriers that hinder pedestrian movement.This includes implementing accessible curb ramps at street crossings, ensuring transit stops are fully accessible for individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids, and modernizing pedestrian signal timing to meet current industry standards. We are also striving to ensure actuated crosswalks have accessible push buttons and possibly a recall function where the WALK signal appears automatically.

Challenges and Opportunities

Archyde News: What are some of the biggest challenges the city faces in implementing these accessibility improvements?

Sarah Mendez: One of the primary challenges is the sheer scale of infrastructure upgrade needed across the vast city of Los Angeles. It requires a significant financial investment and a well-coordinated effort involving multiple departments and agencies. We also need to ensure that these improvements are designed and implemented with input from people with disabilities to truly meet their needs and create a truly inclusive city experience. ”

Archyde News: How is the DCP approaching these challenges and ensuring public engagement throughout this process?

Sarah Mendez: We are committed to a clear and inclusive process. public input is essential to ensure these standards truly reflect the needs of all Angelenos. A virtual details session will be held on thursday, February 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss the proposed HLA Standard Elements Table. This provides an opportunity for residents, advocates, and stakeholders to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and contribute to creating a more accessible L.A. for all.

To register for the virtual information session, please visit: https://planning-lacity-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-DDOMCF0QLKg6HwdcGC96w#/registration

Do these proposed changes go far enough to ensure Los Angeles truly becomes a city where everyone can thrive?

By actively engaging with the community and incorporating their feedback, the DCP aims to create accessibility standards that not only meet legal requirements but also go above and beyond to create an inclusive and equitable city for all its residents.