In a recent interview with the National Recreation and Park Association, L.A. County Parks Director Norma Edith García-Gonzalez shared about her career and the equity-focused work being carried out by the L.A. County Parks Department.

Norma Edith García-Gonzalez was appointed as Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and the Los Angeles County Regional Parks and Open Space District on July 7, 2020. She is the first woman and the first person of color to serve in this role since the department was created in 1944. García-Gonzalez is an advocate for the well-being of children, families, and in bringing equity to communities throughout the County. This commitment is further demonstrated through her active participation in various civic and professional organizations.
In a recent interview with Cort Jones of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), García-Gonzalez discusses a variety of topics, including:
- How her career in parks and recreation began;
- The historical barriers when it comes to serving the most vulnerable populations in Los Angeles County;
- How she and her staff are intentionally centering their work in equity and anti-racism;
- How the 2022 Parks Needs Assessment (PNA+) Final Report was adopted as L.A. County’s 30x30 plan to address climate change;
- Some of the opportunities and challenges when it comes to achieving the 30x30 goal of conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030; and
- Why this work means so much to her.
To listen to the interview, please visit this link.
FULL STORY: Continuing a Legacy of Service to Create a Better World — Episode 131

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites
The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.

Knoxville Dedicates $1M to New Greenway
The proposed greenway would run along North Broadway and connect to 125 miles of existing trails.

Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot
The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.
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
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