Reinventing Los Angeles: Seizing the Transit Opportunity

Ken Bernstein, Principal Planner for the City of L.A., explores how the expansion of transit in Los Angeles is changing how the department approaches its plans and the planning process.

1 minute read

February 1, 2012, 6:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


In 2008, the voters of Los Angeles County approved a half-cent sales tax increase (Measure R) to fund new investment in the region's public transportation infrastructure. This investment has created an incredible opportunity to re-think and re-make the urban form of Los Angeles in transformative ways.

In a region in which comprehensive and coordinated planning has traditionally been an anathema, Ken Bernstein, with L.A.'s Department of City Planning, explains the efforts his department and their partner organizations are engaged in to connect land use and transportation planning in order to maximize that investment. Bernstein also responds to recent criticisms of the Hollywood Community Plan.

Thanks to Kevin Madden

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in The Planning Report

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Rendering of proposed housing development on former Desert Pines golf course in East Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing

The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.

November 20, 2024 - KTNV

Low close-up of busy city crosswalk in Vienna, Austria.

Planning for True Transportation Affordability: Beyond Common Misconceptions

Transportation affordability is important but often misunderstood, resulting in misguided solutions. New research helps identify ways to provide true affordability for economic freedom, opportunity and happiness.

November 21, 2024 - Todd Litman

Car parked at EV charging station in parking lot in Carlsbad, California.

California Governor Vows to Protect EV Credits

If the federal government eliminates the tax credit for electric vehicles, the governor will need legislative support to restart a state-level incentive program.

4 seconds ago - The Hill

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

4 hours ago - StreetsBlog NYC

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.