The Office of Extraordinary Innovation at Los Angeles Metro is just over a year old. KPCC checks in.
Los Angeles Metro created the Office of Extraordinary Innovation in 2015, which CEO Phil Washington tasked with exploring "out-of-the-box and untried ideas." A year later, KPCC speaks to Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank on how the department approaches that mandate with the rest of the agency.
Starting with the basics, Schank clarifies that the "basic function" of the office is "to bring the private sector to the table on major infrastructure projects."
Public-private partnerships have gained popularity in recent years as a way for governments to deliver infrastructure and services more efficiently and with less financial risk. Schank also believes the model encourages the private sector to be more civic-minded.
He says, "It's not enough to have [transportation] technology out there and being developed. We have to find a way to integrate it with the public sector network."
FULL STORY: 8 things we learned from Metro's innovation chief
Controversial BRT Plans Revised in Los Angeles
The proposed changes to plans for a bus rapid transit route on Colorado Boulevard are an attempt to compromise between competing community concerns.
LA to Launch Bus Lane Enforcement Cameras
Bus-mounted cameras will identify vehicles that block designated bus lanes to help prevent delays and maintain reliable transit operations.
Los Angeles Transit Ridership Grew in 2023
Metro attributes the growth to new destinations, added security, and a streamlined train system.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont