The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation offers expert guidance on LA wildfire response and recovery, addressing critical issues like water safety, air quality, equitable rebuilding, and climate adaptation to promote resilience and sustainability.
The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation is offering expert guidance to support Los Angeles in addressing the immediate and long-term challenges posed by recent wildfires. The center’s experts are available to provide insights into key areas, including water supply and quality, air quality impacts, equitable land use and recovery planning, and the governance and politics of disaster response. Their goal is to help policymakers and communities navigate this crisis with evidence-based strategies that prioritize resilience, equity, and sustainability.
Gregory Pierce, co-executive director of the Luskin Center, emphasizes the need for improved coordination in water testing, treatment, and public communication to ensure safety and trust in drinking water systems impacted by wildfires. Rachel Connolly, an air quality and environmental equity researcher, highlights the dangers of wildfire smoke, recommending N95 masks, air purifiers, and updated school HVAC systems while advocating for better air quality monitoring tools to address toxic pollutants released during urban fires.
Land use and recovery planning are also priorities, with Megan Mullin urging a community-driven approach to rebuilding that prioritizes equitable investment and resilience rather than exacerbating existing inequalities. Edith de Guzman, a specialist in water equity and climate adaptation, brings critical expertise on the effects of extreme weather, such as the erratic Santa Ana winds that fueled the fires, underscoring the need for adaptive infrastructure and policies to mitigate future risks.
By addressing these interconnected challenges, the UCLA Luskin Center provides a comprehensive resource for leaders and residents. Their insights on disaster governance, the politics of response, and the broader impacts of climate whiplash aim to equip Los Angeles with the tools needed to recover from the immediate crisis while building long-term resilience against climate-driven disasters.
FULL STORY: UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation Research and Commentary on the LA Fire Response and Recovery
Half of Altadena’s Black Homes Lost or Damaged in Eaton Fire
The community has higher Black homeownership rates than most of Los Angeles, but now faces an uncertain future as residents struggle to rebuild.
Preserving Altadena’s Trees: A Community Effort to Save a Fire-Damaged Landscape
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Green is working to preserve fire-damaged but recoverable trees, advocating for better assessment processes, educating homeowners, and protecting the community’s urban canopy from unnecessary removal.
Rethinking Los Angeles Landscapes: Balancing Iconic Trees and Fire Resilience
L.A. must balance fire resilience with ecological preservation by gradually replacing flammable non-native plants like eucalyptus and palm trees with native and fire-resistant species while rethinking urban landscapes and land management practices.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service