Los Angeles County Allocates $9 Million for Parks in High Need Areas

The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) has allocated over $9 million in Measure A grant funding for technical assistance services to 30 cities and the unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County that are in high and very high park need areas, as identified in the 2016 Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment.  The funding allocation will be used to support and further park project development.

RPOSD established the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) as part of the voter-approved funding from Measure A, the LA County Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Beaches Measure, to assist agencies and organizations develop eligible park projects and competitive applications for its grant programs, and to help communities create multi-benefit park projects and programs throughout Los Angeles County.

In November 2016, Los Angeles County voters approved Measure A, the Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Beaches measure, with almost 75 percent of voters approving the annual parcel tax, affirming the importance of parks to Los Angeles County residents. Since the passage of Measure A, RPOSD has allocated approximately $400 million in Measure A funds to cities and park development agencies to help fund new park space, create better access to existing parks, and improve park amenities.

Last month, RPOSD launched two Measure A competitive grant programs, Recreational Access and Youth & Veteran Job Training and Placement, releasing up to $23 million total in funding opportunities for cities, non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities.  In February, RPOSD also awarded $26 million in competitive grants to fund park projects across L.A. County.

TAP links high and very high park need entities with professional consultants, with expertise in various park development disciplines, including community outreach and engagement, environment studies, project feasibility, planning and design, and grant writing and application, at no cost to the eligible grantee.