Los Angeles County is investing $17 million to create 623 acres of new parks and open spaces, expanding access to nature, advancing equity, and enhancing community health and well-being.

Los Angeles County has made a historic investment in expanding parkland, allocating $17 million from Measure A competitive grants to create 623 acres of new parks and open spaces. This marks the largest parkland expansion effort in the 31-year history of the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD). The funding will support 13 projects across all five Supervisorial Districts of the county, ensuring that communities most in need—particularly those with limited access to green spaces—benefit from this transformative initiative. In addition to enhancing recreational opportunities, these investments will contribute to climate resilience, and improved public health, reinforcing the County’s commitment to equity and environmental justice.
This achievement builds on the success of Measure A, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2016 to provide permanent funding for parks and open spaces. The RPOSD has taken a community-driven approach, providing technical assistance to under-resourced communities and ensuring that funding reaches the areas with the greatest need. This latest investment demonstrates the effectiveness of that strategy, with projects ranging from small urban parks to large-scale conservation efforts. To further advance these goals, the RPOSD has also announced an upcoming grant opportunity focused on wildfire recovery and climate resilience, addressing the growing threats of natural disasters.
Norma E. García-González, Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and Director of the Regional Park and Open Space District, emphasized the significance of this investment: “We are changing lives with this $17 million investment. In 2016, voters told us that high-need communities should be first in line for park funding, and we took that promise seriously. Through technical assistance, community-driven solutions, and a commitment to equity, we have ensured that the hardest-to-reach places—where families haven’t been able to walk to a park—are finally getting the green space they deserve. Today, we’re 623 acres greener, improving public health, climate resilience, and access to nature for all.”
FULL STORY: Today, We Are 623 Acres Greener: Los Angeles County Invests $17 Million to Purchase New Park Land

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

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont