Get excited, folks! The Lower LA River Revitalization Draft Plan is now available for your comments and review. This plan will be open for public comment until January 11th, 2018. This is your opportunity to review the work, ask questions, and make suggestions for the future of the Los Angeles River. Este plan también está disponible en español aquí.

We put this post together to provide an overview of what this all actually means and how you can get involved. If you have questions we don’t address, leave them in the comments or reach out to the Lower LA River Working Group here.

What is the Lower LA River Revitalization Draft Plan?

The Lower LA River Revitalization Draft Plan is a document that’s been developed by community stakeholders (including nonprofits, river specifics groups, neighborhood organizations, etc), government officials, cities across Southeastern LA County, and the public at large, that explores the possibilities of improving the river and river adjacent spaces for 19 miles of the LA River. (Take note here, this isn’t the entire Los Angeles River, but the City of Vernon to the LA River outlet in the City of Long Beach.)

This document was created through 82 community meetings as the result of Assembly Bill 530 in 2015, which was introduced by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. According to the website, ‘The Plan will identify ways to maintain flood control infrastructures, restore natural features where possible, create opportunities for recreation, and address issues related to economics, health, equity, safety, accessibility, and connectivity in the corridor communities. It will also be included in an update to the LA County’s Master Plan for the entire 51-mile LA River.’

So, what’s in the draft plan?

You can read and comment on the full draft of this plan here. As an overview, it provides a number of things, including:

• A focus on certain opportunity sites where the possibility of revitalization exists. This could be spaces it’s possible to create a park for public space, build a bridge for improved access points, add access ramps for folks with disabilities, and more.

• Opportunities for workforce development, including support for the local economy, community benefit agreements, and tools aimed at curbing the impacts of gentrification.

Who can participate in this process?

This is a publicly funded process, so anyone with interest in the river can participate! If you live in the 19-mile area, it may be of particular interest to you, but all folks interested in the future of the area, and the opportunities presented by the Los Angeles River, should get involved!

How to participate:

• Leave your comments on the draft plan here.
  
  
• Attend the next Lower River Working Group meeting. You can see the full schedule here.

How do I stay informed about this process?

There’s a lot of information to unpack in this Lower LA River Revitalization Draft Plan but keep in mind it’s just a draft! Subscribe to River LA for updates on the process and feel free to contact the Lower River Group directly here.