L.A. River: From Afterthought to Asset

With strong advocates in Washington and in City Hall, planning continues for an ambitious multi-billion dollar effort to overhaul the Los Angeles River and its relationship to the city.

2 minute read

January 11, 2012, 2:00 PM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Writing in the January issue of Planning, ahead of the American Planning Association's annual conference to be held in Los Angeles this April, Lorelei Laird provides an overview and update of the status of plans to turn what many consider an oversized drainage ditch into a recreational hub, ecological asset, and an engine for economic development.

Ecological restoration "calls for removing at least some concrete. Compromises include restoring a soft bottom in some areas, creating stepped terraces along the banks, and removal of the concrete sides in a few places where floodplains can be created safely."

In a city that the Trust for Public Land says has 6.2 acres of park space per 1,000 residents currently, "planners envision parkland extending at least 250 feet from each bank, with walkways, a bicycle path, a few equestrian paths, and public art. But the plan doesn't end at the river's edge. In most areas, this 32-mile greenbelt is connected with existing destinations like parks, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses, using dedicated car-free paths and existing streets dressed up with river signage."

"The economic development portion of the plan starts from the belief that all these improvements will increase private development, a lesson drawn from redevelopment projects in many other cities. It expects that riverfront activity would draw businesses catering to park users, such as cafes, hotels, and other entertainment destinations. Overall, planners predict that every public dollar will attract four private redevelopment dollars, creating billions of dollars' worth of new development around the river."

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 in Planning

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

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.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

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.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

7 hours ago - California Air Resources Board

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 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City