Questions are emerging about the funding equation for an ambitious $1 billion proposal to improve 11 miles of the Los Angeles River through some of the most urban parts of the city.
David Zahniser shares news of a Los Angeles Chief Legislative Analyst report that puts a much higher price tag on the cost of restoring the Los Angeles River than originally thought.
A plan approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last year was expected to cost $1 billion, with the city and the federal government splitting the costs of the massive program.
But, according to Zahniser,
"[I]n a report released last week, Chief Legislative Analyst Sharon Tso said the Corps of Engineers is looking at making the city responsible for $965 million, or least 71% of the cost of the river restoration. A second option being weighed by federal officials would put the city's share at nearly $1.2 billion, or 87% of the financial obligation…"
The article includes a lot more detail about how the river restoration must be funded—a question complicated by the expensive cost of land in Los Angeles. So far a tax increment financing district is among the ideas on the table. Project proponents have at least one factor working in their favor—the timeline for the project is expected to run for about 30 to 50 years, so there is no particular rush in solving the eqution right now or all at once.
FULL STORY: L.A. could wind up covering much of $1.3-billion river project cost

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie