LA City Deputy Mayor for Infrastructure, Randall Winston elaborates on Executive Directive 9, which is intended to develop an integrated and funded city-wide, bureau-spanning Capital Improvement Plan
SDOT Director Greg Spotts focuses on the recent passage of that City’s Proposition 1—an 8-year $1.55 billion transportation levy that received 66% voter approval to fund the modernization of City streets and bridges, as well as: active transportation, shared mobility, and the integration of new housing with transportation.
In this comprehensive interview with Mark Pestrella, Director of the Los Angeles County Public Works, Pestrella delves into the multifaceted responsibilities of overseeing the largest public works agency in the United States. Outlining the agency’s extensive scope, which includes managing water systems, roads, airports, and emergency responses for over 10 million residents across 4,000 square miles, he emphasizes the challenges of maintaining such vast infrastructure while simultaneously addressing climate change, which he describes as an ever-present threat that the agency has been planning for over the years.
Pestrella also discusses the agency’s strategic approach to leveraging historic federal funding from recent bills, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), securing $1.5 billion to fund projects that prioritize climate resilience and equity. He underscores the ongoing challenge of workforce development in the face of a competitive labor market and highlights innovative approaches like AI and digital twins to enhance infrastructure maintenance and planning. As the 2028 Olympics approach, Pestrella shares his vision for showcasing LA County’s infrastructure, particularly along the LA River, as a reflection of the region's evolution and resilience.
Liane Randolph, Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), highlights In this VXNews interview the significant strides made in transitioning towards zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in various weight classes, from light-duty to heavy-duty trucks, as well as encouraging developments in hydrogen and electric ferries. Despite challenges in reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), Randolph emphasizes CARB's strategy to support transit and innovative mobility solutions, such as community-based e-bike programs. Also touched upon is the importance of charging infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty trucks, the role of utilities in meeting energy demands, and the ongoing collaboration with environmental justice groups and international partners like Quebec. Overall, Randolph underscores the necessity of collective collaboration and strategic planning to achieve California's ambitious climate goals and for advancing sustainable transportation initiatives
As urban downtowns and their transit serving systems begin recovering from the pandemi’s impact on urban street life, cities have begun blessing innovative ways to utilize their streets and manage their curbs. VXNews shares here excerpts from a recent Curbivore L.A. panel masterfully moderated by Laura Bliss of Bloomberg News that included: Jordan Justus (Co-Founder & CEO, Automotus), Marcel Porras (Deputy Chief Innovation Officer, LA Metro), Debs Schrimmer (Senior Advisor, Joint Office of Energy & Transportation) and Gene Oh (CEO, Tranzito). The panel’s focus; actual examples of the ways varying metropolises are transforming their streets, curbs & public transit systems to better serve the evolving needs of their citizens.
Amidst a flurry of bills, executive orders, and local measures reshaping the housing narrative in California and Los Angeles, assessing the true impact of these legislative endeavors remains a challenge. At a recent Curbivore event, Randall Winston, Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure for Los Angeles, spoke to the attendees hoping to shed light on the ongoing discourse surrounding LA’s housing landscape and the incoming Capital Infrastructure Plan. VX News shares here the full address given by Winston, in which he discusses the implications of Executive Directive 1, the supply-demand paradox facing California, and UCLA's recent acquisition of the Westside Pavilion shopping mall.
As cities grapple with the challenges of urbanization, transportation remains a central concern in fostering sustainable, vibrant communities. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the recent passage of Healthy Streets LA (HLA) with two key figures at the forefront of this transformative initiative: Michael Schneider and Yuval Bar-Zemer. In this exclusive interview with VX News, Schneider, a driving force behind the HLA campaign, offers insights into the significance of this ordinance and its far-reaching implications for urban mobility, while Yuval Bar-Zemer, renowned for his extensive involvement in the Arts District and community initiatives, shares his perspective on the campaign and its potential impact on Los Angeles' diverse neighborhoods.
In the bustling landscape of real estate and economic advisory, HR&A stands out as a beacon for equitable and sustainable community development. In an exclusive interview with VX News, Judith Taylor, a Partner based in HR&A’s Los Angeles office, sheds light on the firm's multifaceted focuses. Drawing from her roots in the Inland Empire, Taylor shares insights into her passion for placemaking and density, advocating for sustainable growth and vibrant communities. As California grapples with a housing crisis, Taylor underscores HR&A’s commitment to not just building housing, but to crafting resilient communities that foster economic opportunities.
VXNews shares an excerpt from "Ten Across Conversations," a podcast series hosted by Duke Reiter which engages environmental reporter Rosanna Xia, delving into the urgent challenges facing California's coastline. The episode addresses the unique threats of massive waves battering the West Coast, emphasizing the pressing need for the state to prepare for significant sea level rise within the next 30 years. Xia, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, draws from her on-the-ground experiences and her book, "California Against the Sea: Visions for Our Vanishing Coastline." The conversation navigates the complexities of terms like "managed retreat" and explores the philosophical debate between prioritizing property value and life safety in the context of climate change.
Recently it was announced that the city of Inglewood would be the recipient of a $1 billion-dollar federal investment for the Inglewood Transit Connector project. In this exclusive VX News interview, Inglewood’s Mayor, James Butts, provides an update on Inglewood's 1.6-mile people mover project. Emphasizing the project's broader impact on the local and regional economy, given multiple international events already booked through 2029, Mayor Butts challenges the miss-perception of who will use mass transit, envisioning Inglewood as a globally attractive sports and entertainment capital. Reflecting on Inglewood's transformative & successful economic recovery, Mayor Butts also shares a vision for the city's 2030 legacy, highlighting generational wealth creation and renewed infrastructure investments.