Better Streets LA

Better Streets LA
Name	Better Streets LA
Type	Nonprofit advocacy group
Founded	2011
Location	Los Angeles, California, United States
Focus	Urban planning; pedestrian, bicycle, and transit policy

Better Streets LA is a Los Angeles–based nonprofit advocacy organization focused on pedestrian-, bicycle-, and transit-oriented urban design and policy. The group engages in public campaigns, municipal code reform, and coalition building to influence transportation planning in Los Angeles, California, and at times national forums such as the United States Department of Transportation. Better Streets LA has collaborated with community groups, labor unions, design professionals, and elected officials to advance street safety, accessibility, and equitable development across multiple Los Angeles neighborhoods.

History

Founded in 2011 by advocates, activists, and professionals from networks including the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, the organization emerged amid debates over the Los Angeles Department of Transportation policies, the Metro planning processes, and the implementation of the Los Angeles General Plan 2035. Early campaigns intersected with movements around the Great Recession (2007–2009), local responses to the 2012 Los Angeles bicycle plan discussions, and reactions to regional development projects such as the Crenshaw/LAX Line. Founders drew on experience from organizations like California Bicycle Coalition, LAANE, Transit Coalition, and professional circles around the American Planning Association chapters in Los Angeles County.

The group gained prominence during debates over the Streets for People initiatives, municipal code amendments to the Los Angeles Municipal Code, and campaign cycles for the Los Angeles City Council. Key moments included intervention in discussions inspired by federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation (2017–2021), reactions to infrastructure funding such as the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, and collaboration during efforts tied to the Measure M regional transit funding measure.

Goals and Mission

Better Streets LA’s mission frames street design as central to public health and equity. It aligns with frameworks advanced by the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and urban research from institutions like University of Southern California, UCLA, and California State University, Los Angeles. Core aims reference principles from the Complete Streets movement, the Vision Zero initiative adopted by multiple cities, and the National Association of City Transportation Officials guidelines. The organization positions itself among peers such as the Trust for Public Land, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Local Government Commission, and the Natural Resources Defense Council on issues of public space and climate resilience.

Programs and Initiatives

Better Streets LA runs programs that include policy advocacy, technical assistance, community outreach, and legal interventions. Advocacy campaigns have targeted projects like the Expo Line, the Eastside Access Project, and neighborhood plans such as the South Central Community Plan. They have provided input on zoning and form-based codes related to the Transit Oriented Communities incentives linked to regional projects like Downtown Los Angeles redevelopment and the Westwood Transit Village proposals. The group has offered workshops in partnership with design entities including the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles, the Urban Land Institute, and academic labs at USC Price School of Public Policy.

Initiatives often intersect with environmental and labor movements: coalition work with Sierra Club California, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and Greenpeace USA has shaped campaigns on pedestrian safety and anti-displacement measures; partnerships with LAANE and Natural Resources Defense Council inform housing and emissions strategies. Technical briefs reference standards from the Federal Highway Administration and models promoted by the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Funding and Partnerships

Funding sources have included private foundations, individual donors, and collaborations with philanthropic entities such as the Rockefeller Foundation, The California Endowment, and local funders like the Annenberg Foundation. Project-specific grants have been received from national programs administered by the Department of Transportation and regionally via Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Strategic partnerships span NGOs and civic institutions: Los Angeles Walks, Safe Routes to School National Partnership, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles legacy networks, and academic partners at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.

Governance and Organizational Structure

The organization is typically governed by a board of directors composed of urbanists, planners, lawyers, and community leaders with affiliations across institutions such as UCLA, USC, California State University, Northridge, LA City Council, and nonprofit networks like Los Angeles Conservancy. Operational staff work with consultants from firms previously engaged in municipal projects with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Los Angeles Department of City Planning, and private design practices tied to the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Impact and Outcomes

Better Streets LA has influenced municipal policy changes, including amendments to street design standards in Los Angeles Municipal Code updates, incorporation of Complete Streets policies into neighborhood plans, and advocacy that contributed to Vision Zero adoption by local jurisdictions. Outcomes cited include pilot projects for protected bike lanes on corridors connected to the Exposition Transit Corridor, traffic-calming installations in neighborhoods adjacent to Dodger Stadium, and participation in environmental review processes under the California Environmental Quality Act. The group’s work has been referenced in coverage by local media such as the Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, and in reports from research centers at UCLA Luskin Center.

Criticisms and Controversies

Critiques have come from developer associations like the Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Los Angeles and from some local business groups concerned about parking impacts and curb access, including chapters of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. Debates have also involved affordable housing advocates tied to L.A. Housing Partnership and tenant organizations over unintended consequences of zoning reforms. Legal challenges and contested environmental reviews have involved parties such as Southern California Association of Governments and private property owners. Policy opponents have argued that some proposals conflict with truck routes regulated by the California Department of Transportation and regional freight stakeholders.

Category:Nonprofit organizations based in Los Angeles Category:Transportation advocacy groups in the United States