Los Angeles County has launched its largest-ever competitive grant program, investing $58 million to expand park access, enhance climate resilience, and support community-driven projects in the areas that need them most.
The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) has launched a record-setting $58 million competitive grant program to invest in parks, trails, and open space across the county. This historic initiative represents the largest grant program in RPOSD’s history and is designed to support projects that are community-driven, climate-smart, and shovel-ready. A minimum of 30% of funds will be allocated to areas identified as High or Very High Park Need, with additional attention to rural and historically underserved communities.
RPOSD Director Norma E. García-González emphasized that the program goes beyond funding—it is a promise to deliver on voter-approved priorities and ensure equitable access to quality park spaces. The investment builds on more than $45 million awarded in the past two years to park-deficient communities, wildfire recovery efforts, and the acquisition of 623 acres of new parkland. This latest round of funding continues the County’s momentum in advancing park equity and climate resilience.
The 2025 Competitive Grant Program includes three categories: $18 million for Planning & Design to prepare projects for future implementation; $24 million for Natural Lands, Local Beaches, and Water Protection to support ecological restoration and water quality; and $16 million for Regional Recreation and Trails to expand connectivity and inclusive access. Through this effort, RPOSD aims to create lasting impacts for communities across Los Angeles County.
FULL STORY: Historic $58 Million Investment for the Next Generation of Parks, Trails, and Open Space
Los Angeles County Parks Department Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan
The L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation recently completed a strategic plan which details goals, strategies, and actions that reflect the agency's commitment to advancing equity.
A Park Reborn: Resilience and Renewal in Fire-Stricken Altadena
Rebuilt in just two months after the devastating Eaton Fire, Loma Alta Park now stands as a symbol of community resilience and renewal, even as some residents hope recovery efforts will continue to support housing stability and long-term equity.
A Greener LA County: 623 Acres of New Parkland for Communities
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.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
New Jersey’s second-largest city bans standalone data centers
Jersey City will continue to allow co-location facilities, such as those meant for research institutions that store their own data.
Amtrak not solely to blame for New Jersey commuter rail's unreliability, report finds
A new study from the Garden State Initiative found that NJ Transit’s budget grew 20% across a 4 year period, but reliability declined significantly over the same period.
EPA erases limits on planet-warming pollution from power plants
Under Monday’s plan, power plants would still have some limits on how much mercury, arsenic and other contaminants they can emit.
Phoenix announces new on-demand transit service, more frequent RAPID buses
Both new services will launch in October, and are part of Phoenix's Project Effective Access Solutions for Easing Congestion.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association