Earth Month and the South LA Eco-Lab
April is recognized around the world as Earth Month. At LADOT, we recognize the critical role transportation policy plays in building a more sustainable future for our city and planet. Last weekend we kicked off one of our most ambitious projects to improve environmental outcomes in communities most impacted by pollution: the South LA Eco-Lab.
LADOT is working closely with a coalition of community groups to launch this initiative, which is made possible with nearly $60 million in state and local grants. The project will further a socially inclusive, sustainable, green community resilient to climate change, in the heart of South Los Angeles.
For decades, South LA communities have experienced higher levels of traffic congestion and associated negative health impacts such as childhood asthma and traffic deaths compared to other Los Angeles neighborhoods. The Eco-Lab aims to end these disparities by investing in projects such as EV Car Share, Cool Pavement projects, home solar installation, street trees, and school greening to provide open space, and stormwater capture benefits.
Through events like this weekend’s kickoff, we are engaging residents in these projects to ensure families have the tools and resources to improve the health, sustainability, and resilience of Los Angeles’ communities.
Happy Earth Month!
LADOT celebrates the launch of South LA Eco-Lab
LADOT, alongside TreePeople and our partners, launched the South LA Eco-Lab with an Earth Month Kickoff last weekend at South Park Recreation Center. The event featured an eco fair where various organizations showcased their sustainable solutions and activities for all ages. Highlights included a tree giveaway and a community tree planting, emphasizing the South LA Eco-Lab initiative's direct impact on the South Los Angeles community.
Fueled by a $35 million grant from the CA Strategic Growth Council and support from the Transformative Climate Communities Program, this initiative aims to transform South Los Angeles into a thriving, resilient community prepared to face the challenges of climate change.
The South LA Eco-Lab projects emerge in a crucial area marked by significant challenges. Identified as one of the state's most polluted zones, this 3.9 square mile sector is also a place where 60% of residents live below the poverty line and 18% of the community relies on active transportation modes—walking, wheeling, or public transit.
LADOT will provide leadership in four projects, promoting equity by offering safe, affordable, and clean transportation options for all Angelenos:
EV Car Share Program expansion: This project aims to support the growth of the City's BlueLA Electric Vehicle Car Share Program in South LA, bringing five stations and 24 Blue LA cars. Designed as a reliable, fast, and affordable transportation alternative, BlueLA targets underserved communities, enabling residents to make essential trips in eco-friendly vehicles. The program has already been successful in communities like Westlake, Boyle Heights, Koreatown, and Downtown LA.
E-bike library: Launching this spring, LADOT's E-bike Library program will bring a fleet of e-bikes to the South LA community, addressing the needs of low-income families and individuals by providing an affordable and clean mobility option. This initiative will help reduce neighborhood pollution and encourage active transportation.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: In addition to the over 100 chargers being added to streetlights throughout South LA, this project will introduce 16 electric vehicle charging stations to four parks within the project area. By increasing the availability of publicly accessible charging infrastructure, this initiative aims to lower one of the barriers to electric vehicle adoption and promote an equitable distribution of chargers across the city.
Stress-free connections: This project identifies where new investments are needed in the neighborhood network to close gaps and create infrastructure for people walking, bicycling, and rolling. Through extensive community consultation and data analysis led by LADOT, the project will install about 50 new speed humps and retrofit 14 intersections with bike boxes and leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs), making streets safer for everyone.
These benefits are being made possible through a close partnership with South LA Empowerment Zone (Slate-Z), which has worked with communities to create transportation access, economic opportunity, and environmental justice. Through the South LA Eco-Lab, we're bringing to life the community's vision for a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable future.
James Morales - Equipment Specialist I
James Morales, an Equipment Specialist at LADOT, does physical mechanical inspections every quarter of our fleet of over 400 buses located throughout the City in 4 regions/facilities. James says he always liked the idea of providing clean, comfortable, and reliable transportation to those who need it most. His desire to pursue a career in transportation was sparked at a young age by his father: “He always said to leave the car at home as much as possible.”
As an Equipment Specialist, he is proud to make a difference for the people of LA. In 2005, James introduced the method of “close the loop” and accountability, where the staff does an inspection/audit and requires a follow-up with the contractor to ensure that whatever mechanical defects or issues are resolved in a timely manner. The freedom to move just about anywhere a person wants is the reason why he loves LA. James says this will get better with time and our expansion of services throughout the City. We thank James for his diligence in bringing clean, comfortable, and reliable transportation to Angelenos.
CicLAvia Returns to Venice Blvd April 21!
Join CicLAvia for a day of car-free open streets on April 21! From 9am - 4pm, 5.75 miles of iconic Venice Blvd will close to vehicle traffic and open for a day of biking, walking, skating, jogging, and rolling. This popular route connects Palms, Mar Vista, and Venice Beach for an unforgettable day of fun for all ages. View the route map and learn about activities along the corridor at ciclavia.org
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BlueLA Crowdsourcing Survey
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Transportation Photos of the Week
