Revitalizing Westlake and Reconnecting MacArthur Park
I am excited to announce the kick-off of an exciting planning effort to reconnect MacArthur Park! In the 1930’s, the City of Los Angeles constructed Wilshire Boulevard to connect drivers from Downtown LA to points west, dividing the iconic park and the community of Westlake. Thanks to a grant from USDOT and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), we have the opportunity to reimagine how people move and access the park, to create a more inclusive environment for all modes of travel including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users.
Earlier this week, I joined Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, and community groups like Central City Neighborhood Partners to kick off a public engagement process that will allow us to assess options for pedestrianizing Wilshire Blvd. Together, we will engage with residents, gather input, and ensure that the voices of those who live and work in this area are at the forefront of our planning.
By working together, we can make MacArthur Park a model of urban design that prioritizes the movement of people and enhances the quality of life for all Angelenos. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved. We look forward to building a better, more connected MacArthur Park with you.
Reconnecting MacArthur Park: Creating a Pedestrian-Friendly Space
The City of Los Angeles is starting an exciting project to reconnect MacArthur Park by looking into permanently closing Wilshire Boulevard between Parkview Street and Alvarado Street to car traffic. This initiative, supported by a grant from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), aims to restore the park to its pre-1934 state and address historical environmental injustices.
The project will study various options for the pedestrianization of Wilshire Boulevard between Park View and Alvarado streets beginning next year with temporary closures to assess impacts to travel patterns. Planning for the project will coincide with the opening of the subway extension of the "D" line, encouraging the use of public transit and making the park more accessible to residents and visitors.
A transportation study will explore how a permanent open street design can improve access to housing, jobs, and park space. LADOT will lead the project, working with community partners and consultants provided by SCAG. Central City Neighborhood Partners (CCNP) will lead community engagement efforts, ensuring the voices of local residents are heard. The project will feature events with educational forums, arts and culture exhibits, and recreational activities to gather public input on the park's future.
Reconnecting MacArthur Park is about more than just closing a road, it's about reconnecting people to nature and to each other. By reclaiming this section of roadway, we are creating a more inclusive public space, reflecting the needs of the diverse Westlake community.
The Reconnecting MacArthur Park project is the largest pedestrianization effort ever in Los Angeles, and it's a significant step in our City's mission to create more equitable and sustainable urban spaces.
Apply now for the Phase II of the UBM Mobility Wallet Pilot Program!
Applications for Phase II of the Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) Mobility Wallet pilot program are now open! LADOT and Metro are expanding the Mobility Wallet pilot to provide more low-income residents with transportation subsidies. This phase will select 2000 new participants from LA County to receive monthly funds for transit, rideshare, bike share and more.
Eligibility:
- Must be 18 years old
- Live in LA County
- Meet program's household annual income requirement based on Metro’s LIFE program
- Did not participate in Phase I
1000 participants in South LA and 1000 from LA county will be selected from all applications.
Applications for Phase II are open now through August 31, 2024. For full details and to apply, please visit: metro.net/mobilitywallet1
Al Fresco Dining is Going Permanent!
The City of Los Angeles’ popular Al Fresco program, a lifeline for many restaurants during the pandemic, is transitioning to a permanent program. If you have a temporary Al Fresco Use Authorization, you must apply for a permanent permit to continue to offer Al Fresco outdoor dining after July 31, 2024.
Learn about requirements, costs, and submit your application online at buildla.lacity.org/alfresco. The Department of Transportation is available to assist businesses by e-mail at ladot.alfresco@lacity.org or by telephone at 213-928-9606.
Stay Cool During the LA Heat Wave
The National Weather Service has advised that the current heat wave will last through the end of this week. Residents should take precautions such as avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure, staying hydrated, and remaining alert for signs of heat-related illness like dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and muscle cramps. Check in on your household, family, friends, pets, and neighbors.
Do not leave young children and pets unattended in personal vehicles for any period of time. Cars interiors can reach lethal temperatures quickly.
LADOT bus services, including DASH and Commuter Express, are air-conditioned to keep you comfortable as you travel during this heat wave. The City of Los Angeles has hundreds of cooling centers open in the form of Recreation and Parks facilities and local library branches. To find a cool spot near you, visit the Cool Spots LA map online or download the app.
Additional safety tips may be found on the Los Angeles Fire Department’s website. For safety information in additional languages, please visit the City’s Heat Relief Outreach Materials.
Participate in our Community Surveys:
You are the ultimate expert for your community. LADOT wants your input as we plan projects to improve the safety, sustainability, and livability of Los Angeles communities.
BlueLA Crowdsourcing Survey
Your input drives BlueLA powered by Blink Mobility forward. Share your dream destinations & station locations in this quick survey. Let's shape the future of car sharing together!
Transportation Photos of the Week
Top Row: Reconnecting MacArthur Park event (L); Mayor Karen Bass speaks at Reconnecting MacArthur Park press conference (R)
Bottom Row: LADOT GM Laura Rubio-Cornejo speaks at MacArthur Park press conference (L); Reconnecint MacArthur Park infographic (R)
