Miguel Santana, former chief administrative officer for the city of Los Angeles during the Great Recession, comments on the realities revenue-starved city budgets.
On Sunday, April 19, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti delivered a 'City Under Attack' state of the city address amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that has shut down all non-essential businesses in the state, wrought unforeseen economic hardship, and killed at least 729 people in L.A. County to date. The Planning Report spoke with Miguel Santana, city of Los Angeles chief administrative officer during the Great Recession, who comments on the reality of operating under revenue-starved city budgets.
Santana urges thoughtful planning and focused priorities as the city responds to the virus and the fiscal quagmire ahead. As the current president and CEO of Fairplex, the home of the Los Angeles County Fair, Santana also gives readers insight into the transition that nonprofit organization has made to serve the community during this public health emergency.
"In the same way that the private sector will have to reinvent itself and adapt to this new reality that was emerging prior to COVID-19, government will have to do the same in very bold ways we hadn't thought about before."
For the full interview, visit us at The Planning Report.
FULL STORY: Miguel Santana, Former LA City CAO, Reflects on Never-Before-Experienced Fiscal Challenges
The Consequences of Sprawl: Overcrowded Housing and Covid Deaths
Los Angeles is the nation's capital of both crowding and sprawl. A feature published by the Los Angeles Times provides the history of how the metropolis achieved this contradiction.
More Support Needed for Organizations Serving the Underserved
A new report details how policymakers and community leaders can improve California's efforts to advance an equitable recovery from COVID by supporting and empowering community-based organizations in underserved communities.
Cities Need More Public Bathrooms–Well Beyond the Pandemic
COVID-19 laid bare the dismal state of public bathrooms in America, and some cities stepped up to add more facilities. But why remove them while the need remains?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
Seattle Builds Subway-Sized Tunnel — for Stormwater
The $700 million ‘stormwater subway’ is designed to handle overflows during storms, which contain toxic runoff from roadways and vehicles.
Feds Clear Homeless Encampment in Oregon Forest
The action displaced over 100 people living on national forest land near Bend, Oregon.
Is This Urbanism?
Chuck Wolfe ponders a recommended subscription list of Substack urbanists and wonders — as have others — about the utility of the "urbanist" moniker.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions