Transit Oriented Development in Los Angeles a Tricky Issue

A debate is simmering in Los Angeles between transit planners, developers, urban planners, and community activists about the future of transit-oriented development.

2 minute read

June 13, 2010, 9:00 AM PDT

By Damien Newton


In the coming decades, much of Los Angeles' growth is going to be around transit stations. Places such as Culver City are already planning for the coming Expo Light Rail Line that will connect downtown Los Angeles with downtown Santa Monica; and new developments are either being planned or are already open in the blocks surrounding Los Angeles' existing subway.

The jewel of the Transit Oriented Development planners in Los Angeles is the W Development located above the Red Line Subway stop at Wilshire and Vine. The expensive and glitzy development has been a favorite of planning groups for combining the promise of upper-class, luxury living with a transit station and open space. The station itself has earned some rave reviews for its appearance and functionality.

But the Development, and both the city and MTA's Transit Oriented Development program has also come under fire for not following a design that better connects the community with the transit station. A lack of bike parking, intersections that haven't seen any improvements surrounding the station, and, in the case of the W, a rope line for a private club basically blocking people from leaving the Subway and entering the public plaza; have all been complaints from activists and community members surrounding the T.O.D.'s.

As L.A. moves into a more transit-future, the fate of these projects and their ability to get more people embracing a transit-oriented lifestyle will determing whether or not Los Angeles ever lives up to its previous billing as the "City of Tomorrow."

Thanks to Damien Newton

Thursday, June 10, 2010 in Los Angeles Streetsblog

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

30 minutes ago - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

1 hour ago - Cambridge University Press

Concrete building wth Department of Housing and Urban Development sign

Blocked, Restored, Blocked Again — Housing Funds in Legal Limbo

Since Trump took office, the administration has blocked multiple affordable housing funding streams. Here's a look at which funds have been frozen, which have been reinstated, and which are in the courts.

2 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

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.