California Construction News staff writer
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says an executive directive she signed recently is focused on repairing streets, cleaning parks and enhancing infrastructure projects across Los Angeles and improving department coordination to complete projects more efficiently and cheaper.
“This executive directive will create a path for delivering much-needed improvements to our streets, parks, and public spaces in communities throughout Los Angeles,” Bass said. “I am directing the establishment of a multi-year investment plan to coordinate improvements and maintenance of our city’s infrastructure on display when we welcome the world for upcoming major international events, while leaving lasting benefits for decades to come.”
City departments will establish a Capital Planning Steering Committee to consolidate existing public right-of-way working groups and committees to deliver better infrastructure projects in less time and lower the cost. Departments will also be required to report on maintenance programs, efforts to decrease backlogs, and to develop revenue-generating proposals to meet capital infrastructure needs and be intentional about funding for city projects.
“A piecemeal approach to fixing LA’s infrastructure problems isnt going to work and I’m grateful to Mayor Bass for helping elevate the need for a holistic approach,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield. “Our constituents deserve better and it’s beyond time for bringing all our departments together to develop long term strategies to get our infrastructure woes on a path to recovery.”
A wide range of projects will be impacted, including:
- Roadway improvements to reduce traffic collisions and fatalities
- Parks, green space, and recreation and senior center upgrades
- Bridges, stormwater and sewer upgrades, and LA River related projects
- Better street maintenance for trees, parkways, medians, street furniture, and lighting
Generally, I think that’s great for now. I worry about maintaining such an endeavor long term. What’s good today sometimes is obsolete. When I think about the liabilities, I just can’t believe the numbers. It’s very risky and without proper planning and production planning and execution, it is a sure fiasco.